SEVERAL US STATES SUE TIKTOK FOR ALLEGEDLY HARMING CHILDREN AND FOSTERING ADDICTION

Fri 11 October 2024:

Over a dozen US states filed a lawsuit against TikTok on Tuesday, alleging that the platform is deliberately designed to be addictive for minors.

The lawsuits were submitted independently in 13 states and the District of Columbia, claiming that TikTok has breached consumer protection laws and exacerbated a mental health crisis among adolescents, as reported by NPR.

The bipartisan coalition of attorneys general seeks to force TikTok to alter features they view as manipulative and harmful to young users. Additionally, the lawsuits seek financial penalties against the company.

According to California’s Democratic attorney general, Rob Bonta, TikTok was aware of the potential harms to children.

He asserted that the company prioritized addiction, increased usage, and greater profits over the mental and physical well-being of young people.

With 170 million monthly users in the US, TikTok faces increasing challenges, particularly as it strives to avoid an all-out ban set to take effect in January unless it cuts ties with its parent company, ByteDance, based in China.

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Social media can have several negative effects on children. One major issue is the impact on mental health. Excessive use can lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem, especially when children compare themselves to others or face online bullying. The constant exposure to idealized images can distort body image and self-worth.

Additionally, social media can disrupt sleep patterns, as children may stay up late scrolling through content. It can also reduce face-to-face interactions, impacting their social development and communication skills. There’s also the risk of exposure to inappropriate content or harmful trends, which can influence behavior negatively.

Overall, while social media offers opportunities for connection, its unregulated use can significantly affect children’s emotional well-being and development.

SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES

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