Social Media Lawyer

Social media is a part of many people’s everyday lives. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, messaging apps, and other social media platforms have changed the way people engage with each other. While social media can help us engage with others and find like-minded friends, it can also wreak havoc on users, especially vulnerable children and teenagers. Roughly 77% of Snapchat and Instagram users aged 18 to 24 use the apps multiple times a day.

Unfortunately, exposure to social media can lead to multiple serious issues, including cyberbullying, addiction, anxiety and depression, eating disorders, sexual violence, and social media violence. Has your child been physically or emotionally injured because of social media? In that case, you may be able to recover compensation through a personal injury lawsuit against the person or company whose negligence resulted in their injury.

Injuries Caused by Social Media

Exposure to Social Media Can Result in Serious Eating Disorders

According to the National Eating Disorder Association, women between 18 and 25 who frequently viewed social media sites about fitness are more likely to be diagnosed with an eating disorder. Specifically, those who spend two hours a day or more on social media are more likely to be exposed to unrealistic beauty standards. One study linked higher Instagram use with a greater prevalence of orthorexia Nervosa symptoms.

Cyberbullying

In addition to being more likely to develop an eating disorder due to social media exposure, children can also be the victims of cyberbullying. Cyberbullying happens when a person or a group of people use a computer, cell phone, tablet, or other electronic devices to engage in aggressive and unwanted Behavior toward other people. Cyberbullies can use their device to share harmful, negative, and false content about another person.

Unfortunately, cyberbullying has become more common, and as many as 37% of kids between 12 and 17 have been the victims of cyberbullying. Cyberbullying has been linked to kids having suicidal thoughts and committing suicide. Suppose your child has experienced emotional trauma from cyberbullying while using a social media app or another online networking device. In that case, you may be eligible to pursue compensation from the negligent company that allows the bullying to continue.

Social Media Addiction

Many people do not realize that social media use can be just as addicting as nicotine. When children and teenagers use social media, they receive brain rewards and instant gratification that can cause dangerous addiction. Teenagers with social media addiction can suffer negative mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and a lack of focus. They can also experience neglect of their personal lives, escapism, mental preoccupation, and try to conceal their addictive behavior.

Sexual and Social Media Violence

Innocent users of social media sites can find themselves receiving social media content that promotes violent behavior because of the company’s algorithms. The algorithm may promote violent content that encourages activities that could result in real-life violence. A Facebook whistleblower recently stated that the algorithm could push anger-provoking, violent, and inciting content. When adolescents with developing brains are exposed to violent content over and over, it can have a desensitizing effect. Violence can become normalized and less upsetting.

Pursuing Compensation for an Injury Caused by Social Media

Social media companies nearly always use some algorithm to promote content to users. Their algorithms attract users within a certain lifestyle or demographic to certain content. When a user is health-oriented, the algorithm can bombard them with feeds and posts about weight loss, extreme dieting, and exercise. Social media companies that adopt policies that expose children to posts that lead them to develop mental health problems and anxiety can be held accountable for the injuries they cause. They can also be held accountable for or failure to take action to address bullying or violence.

Contact a Personal Injury Attorney

Do you suspect your child or teenager suffers from a mental health issue due to social media? Has your child been subjected to cyberbullying or social media violence? In that case, it is essential that you reach out to an attorney as soon as possible. You may be able to hold the social media site accountable for the injuries it has caused your child.

Contact the experienced personal injury attorneys at Heninger Garrison Davis today to schedule your free case evaluation and learn more about how we can fight for your rights. We will carefully evaluate your case, help you understand your legal options, and fight for your rights throughout the process.

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