Meta Executive’s Proposal to Research and Reduce Loneliness and Compulsive Use on Instagram and Facebook Sparks Controversy
In April 2019, David Ginsberg, a Meta executive, sent an email to his boss, Mark Zuckerberg, proposing to research and reduce loneliness and compulsive use on Instagram and Facebook. The email highlighted the company’s scrutiny for its products’ impacts, especially concerning problematic use and addiction among teens. Mr. Ginsberg requested 24 engineers, researchers, and other staff to address these issues, citing a “deficit” in addressing them on Instagram.
However, the project was ultimately not funded due to staffing constraints, as confirmed by Susan Li, the company’s chief financial officer. Adam Mosseri, Instagram’s head, also declined to finance the project. These email exchanges are just one piece of evidence cited in over a dozen lawsuits filed by the attorneys general of 45 states and the District of Columbia against Meta.
The lawsuits accuse Meta of unfairly targeting teenagers and children on Instagram and Facebook while deceiving the public about the risks involved. The attorneys general are seeking to compel Meta to enhance protections for minors, drawing parallels to the government’s pursuit of Big Tobacco in the 1990s.
In response to the allegations, Meta has disputed the claims and filed motions to dismiss the lawsuits. The company stated that it is committed to youth well-being and has implemented numerous safety tools and features for young users. However, parents who have experienced tragic outcomes due to online harms challenge Meta’s safety assurances, highlighting the need for stronger protections for minors.
The lawsuits reflect growing concerns about the risks teenagers and children face on social media, including sexual solicitation, harassment, bullying, and compulsive online use. The United States surgeon general has called for warning labels on social networks, emphasizing the public health risks posed to young people.
As the legal battle between Meta and the states continues, the push for stricter regulations on social media platforms, especially concerning youth safety, is gaining momentum. The outcome of these lawsuits could have far-reaching implications for how social media companies operate and protect their younger users.
