How Social Media Platforms Engineered Addiction in San Antonio Youth
Whistleblower testimony, internal research papers, and documents produced during ongoing federal litigation have established that Meta (Instagram, Facebook), TikTok, Snap, and YouTube built and deployed behavioral engineering systems specifically designed to maximize the time young users spend on their platforms — without regard for psychological harm.
These design features include: infinite scrolling that removes natural stopping points; variable reward notifications calibrated to trigger compulsive checking behavior in developing brains; algorithmic content amplification that surfaces increasingly extreme or emotionally charged content; and engagement-based ranking that rewards content generating strong reactions — including content depicting self-harm, extreme dieting, and dangerous challenges.
Meta’s own internal research — now part of the public record in active litigation — showed that Instagram could be damaging to the mental health and body image of teenage girls. The company continued to operate and refine its engagement systems after learning this. That knowledge is central to the legal claims being advanced on behalf of families nationwide.
Qualifying Criteria for San Antonio Families
Used Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, or Snapchat
Used the platform more than 3 hours per day on average
Began using the platform before age 18
Age 25 or younger at time of signing
Suffered a documented injury: severe depression, anxiety disorder, PTSD, eating disorder, body dysmorphia, self-harm, suicide attempt, drug overdose, sexual exploitation, or accidental death connected to an online challenge
FAQ
If your child has been injured by algorithmically designed addiction in San Antonio, we would like to hear your story. Contact Edward O. Moody, P.A. for a free confidential consultation. Call 501-376-0000.

