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This week, a major trial kicked off in Los Angeles in which hundreds of families sued Meta, TikTok, Snap, and YouTube, accusing the companies of intentionally designing their products to be addictive (though Snap and TikTok both settled on the eve of the trial) . From the Guardian:
For the first time,a huge group of parents,teens and school districts is taking on the worldS most powerful social media companies in open court,accusing the tech giants of intentionally designing their products to be addictive. The blockbuster legal proceedings may see multiple CEOs, including Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg, face harsh questioning.
A long-awaited series of trials kicks off in Los Angeles superior court on Tuesday, in which hundreds of US families will allege that Meta, Snap, TikTok and YouTube‘s platforms harm children. Once young people are hooked, the plaintiffs allege, they fall prey to depression, eating disorders, self-harm and other mental health issues.Approximately 1,600 plaintiffs are included in the proceedings, involving more than 350 families and 250 school districts.
The lawyers involved are explicitly using the tobacco playbook, comparing social media to cigarettes.But there’s an important point here: “social media addiction” isn’t actually a recognized clinical addiction. And a captivating new study in nature’s Scientific Reports suggests that our collective insistence on using addiction language might actually be making things worse for users who want to change their behavior.
The researchers conducted two studies. In the first,they surveyed a nationally representative sample of adult Instagram users and found something striking: only about 2% of users showed symptoms that would put them at risk for addiction based on the clinical criteria in the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale. But when asked directly if they felt addicted, 18% of users agreed at least somewhat. In other words, people are dramatically overestimating whether they’re actually addicted.
This matters a lot, as calling yourself addicted can have serious consequences. The study found that users who perceived themselves as more addicted (but not necessarily more habitual) reported feeling less control over their use and had made more unsuccessful attempts to change their behavior. From the study:
Self-labeling of clinical conditions (e.g., I think I’m depressed) has proved to be associated with maladaptive responses, including lowered self-efficacy and perceived control over the pathology
To test whether the addiction framing actually causes these problems rather than just correlating with them, the researchers ran a second study. They had some participants reflect on their own “addictive” Instagram use after reading language from the U.S. Surgeon General’s
Table of Contents Habitual social media use is common, with approximately 50% of frequent users recognizing patterns in their behavior. Research published in *Computers in Human Behavior* indicates that while problematic social media use exists, it doesn’t necessarily equate to addiction as traditionally defined. The study highlights the importance of distinguishing between habitual use and clinically significant addiction. ### The term “addiction” when applied to social media can misrepresent the underlying psychology of these behaviors. The American Psychological Association (APA) notes that while problematic social media use can cause distress and impairment, it doesn’t meet the criteria for substance use disorder as defined in the *Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5)*. This misclassification can lead to ineffective interventions and a sense of helplessness among users. ### Framing social media use as inherently harmful can hinder users’ understanding of how to control their behavior. A 2023 study in *Addictive Behaviors Reports* found that individuals who believe their social media use is addictive are less likely to engage in self-regulation strategies. This belief can create a self-fulfilling prophecy, reinforcing problematic behaviors. ### Lawsuits alleging harm from social media platforms, while intending to protect users, may inadvertently reinforce the “addiction” narrative. As of january 29, 2026, numerous lawsuits are ongoing against Meta (Facebook and Instagram), TikTok, and Snapchat, alleging that these platforms are designed to be addictive and contribute to mental health issues in young people. These cases, while seeking accountability, risk further solidifying the idea that users are powerless against the platforms’ influence. ### Research consistently demonstrates that only a small percentage of individuals experience truly negative consequences from social media use. A Pew Research Centre report from March 9, 2023, found that while a majority of Americans use social media, only a relatively small proportion report significant negative impacts on their well-being. This suggests that resources should be focused on developing targeted solutions for those genuinely struggling, rather than broadly condemning the technology for all users.
Negative Consequences of the “Addiction” Framing
Legal Challenges and the “Addiction” Narrative
Targeted Solutions vs. Broad Condemnation
