Two tribal nations have filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles county court against major social media companies, including Meta Platforms, Snap Inc., ByteDance, and Alphabet, alleging that their platforms contribute to disproportionately high rates of suicide among Native American youth. The lawsuit highlights the addictive nature of social media and its impact on vulnerable Native youth, citing concerns over historic teen suicide rates and mental health issues in Indian Country.
The tribes argue that social media companies' profit-driven design choices have led to a significant burden on their communities, diverting resources from education and cultural preservation efforts. Similar lawsuits are being pursued by various entities, including school districts and cities, claiming that platforms like TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, and YouTube exploit children with features that encourage compulsive use.
Native Americans face higher rates of suicide compared to other demographics in the U.S., with mental health care accessibility being a challenge, particularly in remote locations. Social media can serve as a tool for connecting with tradition and culture, but it also poses risks such as online discrimination. The complexity of Native American identity adds additional stressors, requiring a thoughtful approach to digital engagement.
While the impact of social media on teenagers' mental health is still being studied, experts note the brain's reward system and its role in shaping adolescent behavior. Calls for regulatory action to protect children on social media platforms have been made, with a focus on TikTok's influence on youth mental health.
Efforts at both the state and federal levels are underway to address concerns about social media's impact on youth well-being, with ongoing investigations and proposed legislation aimed at promoting online safety for children and adolescents.
