New Study Highlights Legal and Mental Health Fallout of Social Media Addiction

Anidjar and Levine has released new findings that reveal widespread legal, psychological, and behavioral consequences associated with social media addiction. The study points to sharp increases in mental health risks and rising litigation targeting major tech platforms for their role in shaping user behavior through algorithmic design.

According to global estimates reviewed by the firm, over 210 million people struggle with social media addiction, including more than 33 million Americans. Among young adults aged 18 to 22, the addiction rate climbs to 40 percent. These figures signal a growing dependence on platforms designed to maximize engagement through features such as infinite scroll, autoplay, and real-time notifications.

Screen time remains a central concern, with U.S. teens logging more than seven hours daily, and children between eight and twelve years old spending nearly five hours in front of screens each day. Psychological impacts are documented across multiple studies. Nearly 70 percent of teens report feelings of exclusion, 43 percent delete posts due to low engagement, and 35 percent have experienced cyberbullying. The risk of suicide is elevated among teens using social media for more than five hours per day.

Usage statistics collected in 2025 confirm that social media continues to dominate daily life. Facebook leads with 70 percent daily engagement among adults, followed by Snapchat and Instagram at 59 percent. YouTube sees participation from 54 percent of users, while TikTok has a lower overall adoption rate despite its cultural influence.

Demographic trends show uneven addiction rates. Among young adults between 18 and 38 years old, about 40 percent self-identify as addicted. Gender also plays a role. Nearly one-third of women report addiction symptoms, compared to only 6 percent of men. These figures suggest different behavioral responses to platform engagement.

Mental health concerns are a key focus of the report. Among teens who use social media heavily, more than 40 percent describe their mental health as poor. One in ten have experienced suicidal thoughts. Body image issues affect 17 percent of high-use individuals, amplifying concerns about online comparison and identity distortion.

Parental support appears to influence outcomes. The study finds that strong parental relationships correlate with lower rates of suicidal thoughts and improved mental resilience among teens. In contrast, teens with weaker support systems face substantially higher mental health risks when exposed to excessive digital engagement.

Legal challenges against social media corporations continue to escalate. As of early 2025, over 1,200 lawsuits have been filed against companies such as Meta, Snap Inc., ByteDance, and Alphabet. The litigation centers on claims that addictive algorithms have harmed young users and contributed to rising mental health disorders.

Recent court rulings have allowed negligence claims to proceed and have denied motions to dismiss filed by major platforms. Attorneys general in multiple states have launched suits targeting platforms like TikTok for their role in exacerbating mental health problems among children and teens.

The consequences for tech companies could mirror previous industries that faced accountability for public health harm, including tobacco and opioids. If courts determine that algorithm-driven engagement tools function as defective products, platforms may be required to overhaul business models built around user retention and advertising revenue.

Artificial intelligence plays a key role in shaping user behavior online. Algorithms are designed to optimize attention by surfacing emotionally charged or repetitive content. Critics argue that the structure of these platforms prioritizes engagement over mental well-being, often reinforcing addictive patterns.

Government responses are beginning to take shape. State and federal proposals include potential age restrictions, warning labels on apps, and limitations on algorithm-driven features that extend screen time. These measures aim to curb excessive use and hold tech companies more accountable for the psychological effects of their design strategies.

Anidjar and Levine’s research contributes to a broader understanding of how social media platforms influence mental health, user safety, and public accountability. As litigation advances, the push for regulatory reform continues to gain traction, placing ethical tech design and consumer protection at the center of the conversation.