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We've all been there: Whether you're putting off that stack of HW sitting on your desk or just finding a way to fill time on the car ride home from dance practice, scrolling your feed might just seem like a harmless procrastination tactic or quick boredom fix.

But these apps might be hurting you *way* more than you actually know. 

On Tuesday, 41 states and Washington D.C. moved to sue Meta (the company that owns Instagram and Facebook). State representatives allege the tech corporation purposefully built social media platforms with addicting features without letting users know. The outcome? Harmful effects on teen and children's mental health, according to the lawsuit. Here's what you need to know…

What exactly are these harmful features?

Do you get alerts whenever someone sends you a DM? Or maybe you rush to check who liked your most recent post. These notifications are just one example of how certain Instagram features ask for your constant attention. According to the lawsuit, the app works to maximize user screen time and shorten your attention span, all while decreasing your self-esteem. 

When Sam J., 18, first started middle school, getting likes on her Instagram posts was a huge deal: "Before Instagram could hide the like count, I would be nervous if one of my posts got 300 likes, but my next one only got 100," she explains. These addicting aspects of social media are even being compared to cigarettes.

State representatives are also concerned about certain Instagram filters that are linked to increases in body dysmorphia. According to the Department of Health and Human Services, 46% of teens aged 13-17 say social media makes them feel worse about their bodies. 

And if this wasn't already concerning, Meta is also being accused of collecting info from kids younger than 13 years old without asking for their consent—a federal violation. 

Is Instagram the only platform?

Instagram is just one of many social media platforms that will be investigated. Soon, a California court will discuss a series of 200 plaintiff concerns about other potentially harmful and addictive apps, including Snapchat and TikTok. 

Melanie P., 19, says that she sometimes feels "stuck" when she scrolls through TikTok. "I'll know I need to get up or have things to do, but I seriously feel like I can't find a way to actually do them once I start [scrolling]," she shares.

What happens next?

Meta responded to the allegations, saying that they have resources like parental controls plus age and time restrictions to protect young users. But if the lawsuit is successful, Meta will have to revamp the way young users interact with their apps—not to mention face a hefty pile of fines. 

In the meantime, some states are proposing bills that would limit social media use among younger kids (in the form of stricter screen limits and changes to the algorithm) to help decrease the effects on mental health.

Right now, check in with yourself if you feel like you're constantly opening up these apps. Balancing your screen to life time will help make sure you don't fall into a cycle of mindless scrolling, plus prep you for possible screen time limits later on. Try setting a timer for 30 minutes to go outside and take a much-needed nature walk, or even find some time to journal your favorite parts of the day.

And if you're experiencing symptoms related to body dysmorphia or other mental health conditions? Reach out to a friend, parent, mentor or doctor for support. You can also dial 1-800-950-6264 or text "HelpLine" to 62640 to get help ASAP.

All GIFs via GIPHY

by Annika Chaves | 10/26/2023