Social media is a part of our daily lives. From young children to elderly adults, it touches every person at this point. But a person’s mental health can be harmed by too much social media. As time has revealed, social media companies use targeted content algorithms and addictive features to keep people on their screens and exposed to social media content. This may expose you or someone you care about to cyberbullying, harmful content, or many types of health issues.
At Edward O. Moody, P.A., our social media injury lawyers are here to help. As this area of law evolves, we stand with you to assert your rights and seek the financial compensation you deserve.
How Social Media Can Cause Mental Health Harm
Injuries associated with social media are more common than people think. Social media can have a serious impact on mental health, usually through:
- Addictive Features
- Cyberbullying
- Harmful Content Exposure
- Targeting of Minors
These harms can lead to diagnosable conditions such as depression, anxiety disorders, PTSD, or sleep-related disorders. In severe cases, families may experience crises requiring medical intervention.
When Mental Health Harm May Lead to a Lawsuit
Arkansas residents may have legal options when a social media company’s conduct contributes to mental health injuries. Potential claims typically fall under:
Product Liability
Some lawsuits treat social media platforms like a defective product. Their very design creates a foreseeable and often purposeful harm. Companies may be liable under this legal theory.
Negligence
Under a negligence theory, the social media platform might be liable for not taking steps to protect people from known risks. This could include:
- Failing to remove harmful content
- Ignoring reports of cyberbullying
- Allowing minors to access inappropriate material
Failure to Warn
If a company knew that their product could cause harm, they may be liable for failing to warn users of those risks.
Privacy Violations
Social media companies often collect and sell data, often for purposes of targeted adverting. This may violate privacy laws or other legal protections.
Wrongful Death
In extreme cases, mental health harm from social media may lead to suicide. Arkansas families may be permitted to seek compensation for the loss of their loved one through a wrongful death lawsuit.
Who Can File a Social Media Mental Health Lawsuit in Arkansas?
The following groups may have standing to file:
- Parents of minors harmed by social media use
- Adults who suffered mental health injuries linked to platform design or content
- Families pursuing wrongful death claims
Who can sue will likely depend on the facts of your specific case.
What Compensation May Be Available?
A successful claim may help you win compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Therapy costs
- Medication costs
- Lost wages or reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Funeral costs
- Loss of companionship
Punitive damages may also be available in more serious cases.
Challenges in Social Media Mental Health Lawsuits
These cases are complex. Social media companies often argue that:
- They are protected by Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act
- Users assumed the risks of online activity
- Mental health injuries cannot be directly linked to platform design
- Parental supervision, not platform conduct, caused the harm
However, courts are beginning to allow these cases to progress much more, and successes have occurred. You may be able to overcome these common challenges and win the compensation you seek.
Pursue Monetary Damages for Social Media Mental Health Harm in Arkansas
Social media can actually do quite a bit of damage. As the law in the area continues to form, its important to understand that you could have rights to compensation for the injuries you or someone you care about suffered. Let us help you understand the nuances of these cases and how best to proceed.
Let the dedicated social media injury attorneys at Edward O. Moody, P.A. review your case. Contact us today for a consultation.