A trial in Tennessee began on July 27 focusing on Meta Platforms’ Instagram and its alleged impact on the mental health of teenagers. The lawsuit, brought by Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti’s office, accuses Meta of disregarding internal research that highlighted risks to young users while prioritizing profit.
During opening statements in Nashville state court, prosecutors argued that Meta’s leadership was aware of studies showing that Instagram use among teens was linked to compulsive behavior, eating disorders, depression, and self-harm. Despite these findings, the company reportedly maintained features such as autoplay, infinite scroll, and notifications, which attorneys for the state described as mechanisms designed to maximize users’ time on the platform and increase ad exposure.
Tom Cartmell, the state’s lead attorney, emphasized the addictive nature of Instagram notifications, noting they trigger dopamine responses that can have a heightened effect on adolescent brains. He presented an internal Meta document from 2017 in which company product managers acknowledged that some design elements were “inherently at odds with well-being” and recommended public warnings that were never issued.
Meta, through attorney Kevin Huff, disputed these claims, stating that the company has been transparent about potential risks and actively develops tools aimed at reducing harmful use. Huff argued that the documents cited by the state demonstrate Meta’s ongoing efforts to identify and address problems on its platforms. He urged the jury to consider the broader context, asserting that issues such as suicide, addiction, and exploitation are societal challenges that require collective responsibility, not the sole blame of one company.
The lawsuit seeks financial penalties and court orders requiring modifications to Instagram to improve safety for teenage users. If the jury decides against Meta, the trial will enter a second phase before Chancellor Russell Perkins, who will determine appropriate penalties and any mandated changes.
Tennessee’s case is part of a wider legal campaign involving nearly every U.S. state, with more than two dozen lawsuits consolidated in multidistrict litigation in San Francisco. Many others have been filed independently in state courts. Earlier this year, a New Mexico jury found Meta liable in a similar case, ordering the company to pay $375 million, with additional penalties and platform changes under consideration.
Separately, Meta and other social media companies continue to face thousands of lawsuits filed by individuals and school districts concerning the impact of their platforms on children’s mental health and safety. The Tennessee trial, scheduled for seven weeks, could significantly influence the legal landscape addressing technology platforms and youth well-being.