‘It’s a serious case! Even though 6 years have passed, it is a reminder to all. '
A mother in Wisconsin United States (US) filed a lawsuit against Meta Platform Inc on allegations that a Facebook app had caused her then 17 -year -old son to commit suicide.
Donna Dawley, the mother of Christopher Dawley, said her son's mental health since using the social media platform was deteriorating and did not rule out the possibility that it was also the cause of suicide in 2015, when the deceased was 17 years old.
Terang Dawley, who is represented by the Social Media Victims Law Center, said the late who started using Meta's applications including Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat was still too young at the time to sign any application terms and conditions under the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act in AS.
According to Dawley’s statement in court, Christopher became addicted to Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat in 2014 until the deceased spent hours until 3 a.m. with his smart device, subsequently becoming too obsessed with body image.
While the victim was found suicidal, the deceased was still holding his smart device tightly.
Dawley added, each defendant's product (Meta) contains unique product features that are intended and promote addiction, besides it also includes illegal content that can affect underage users.
It is common knowledge that an insider, Frances Haugen, had previously revealed the issue of the availability of Meta alerts about the dangers of Instagram to the mental health of children and teenagers but decided to turn a blind eye.
The best response from Meta so far on the matter is to introduce a special Instagram for teenagers under 12 years old.
As it is known that addiction to social media is a serious matter especially against the mentality of children and adolescents.
For example, the Snapchat application that offers ‘rewards’ and ‘trophies’ to users so as to pose a danger to users, especially children who will do anything to get it.
Not to forget also the social image (social image) that can invite jealousy and depression can damage the mentality of teenagers who try to imitate something seen online.
Meanwhile, Meta has not yet issued any counter statement on this matter.
