Protecting Victims of Social Media Addiction & Mental Health Harm

The rise of social media has transformed the way we connect, communicate, and consume information. For many young users, social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat have caused serious mental health issues or body image disorders or led to severe self-harm. If you or a loved one has suffered due to excessive social media use, you may have the right to seek justice and compensation for what occurred.

At ‘Maggio Injury Attorneys, we are committed to holding social media companies accountable for the harm their platforms have caused young users. If you or someone you love has been affected, we encourage you to explore your legal rights and seek justice.

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Who Can File a Social Media Harm Lawsuit?

To qualify for a social media harm lawsuit, potential clients must meet the following criteria:

  • Used Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, or Snapchat between the ages of 8-18
  • Currently under the age of 26 (25 or younger)
  • Used the platform(s) daily, three or more hours per day
  • Suffered one or more of the following injuries caused or worsened by social media:
    • Body dysmorphia
    • Eating disorders (binge eating, purging, anorexia, bulimia, etc.)
    • Verifiable mental health harm (depression, severe anxiety, etc.)
    • Suicidal ideation, attempts, or completion
    • Other forms of physical self-harm

Additionally, those pursuing legal action must not currently be represented by another attorney.

Signs That Social Media Harm Has Affected You or a Loved One

Excessive social media use in young individuals has been linked to serious emotional and psychological distress. Some warning signs to look out for include:

  • Obsession with body image and appearance due to exposure to filtered, unrealistic beauty standards
  • Sudden changes in eating habits or weight fluctuations
  • Withdrawal from family, friends, and daily activities
  • Increased anxiety, depression, or low self-esteem
  • Self-harming behaviors (cutting, burning, or other forms of harm)
  • Expressing thoughts of self-harm or suicide

If these symptoms sound familiar, you are not alone, and legal action may help provide justice and accountability.

How Social Media Companies May Be Liable

Social media platforms design their apps to be addictive, using algorithms that exploit young users’ mental health for profit. Features like endless scrolling, push notifications, and AI-driven content recommendations have been linked to:

  • Body dysmorphia and eating disorders due to constant exposure to unrealistic beauty standards
  • Depression and anxiety as a result of excessive social comparison
  • Self-harm and suicidal ideation, often triggered by harmful content and cyberbullying
  • Addiction-like behaviors, keeping young users online for hours, disrupting their mental and emotional well-being

Many lawsuits claim that social media companies knew the dangers of their platforms but failed to act, prioritizing profits over public health.

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Why File a Social Media Harm Lawsuit?

If you or your child has suffered from the negative effects of social media, filing a lawsuit can:

  • Hold social media companies accountable for their role in harming young users
  • Seek financial compensation for medical expenses, therapy, and emotional distress
  • Raise awareness about the dangers of excessive social media use
  • Encourage platforms to implement stronger safety measures to protect young users

At ‘Maggio Injury Lawyers, we believe in fighting for justice and helping victims find the legal support they need, in Mississippi and across the nation.

Real Stories – Examples of Strong Cases

Here are examples of individuals who could qualify for a lawsuit:

Case 1

A 15-year-old girl started using TikTok and Instagram at age 11, spending an average of 7 hours per day on the platforms. She became obsessed with filtered images and unrealistic beauty standards, leading to severe body dysmorphia. By 14, she developed disordered eating behaviors, engaging in extreme calorie restriction. She was diagnosed with severe anorexia and was hospitalized twice due to malnutrition. She is now in a residential treatment program receiving therapy for body image distress and anxiety.

Case 2

A 12-year-old boy was introduced to Snapchat and Facebook by his peers and soon found himself spending most of his free time online. He was exposed to cyberbullying and harmful content that glorified self-harm. Within a year, he began cutting himself and isolating himself from family and friends. His parents noticed scars and sought professional intervention, leading to intensive therapy and medication for depression. His therapist later confirmed that social media addiction and exposure to harmful content were contributing factors to his mental health struggles.

Case 3

A 17-year-old high school senior used Instagram and TikTok excessively—often up to 10 hours per day, including during school hours. She began following content related to dieting, weight loss challenges, and extreme exercise routines. Over time, she developed bulimia, binge eating and purging multiple times a day. Her parents only realized the extent of the issue after she collapsed at school due to electrolyte imbalances. She was admitted to an inpatient eating disorder treatment center for six months and continues to struggle with self-esteem issues tied to social media comparison culture.

If you or someone you love has suffered mental health harm, body dysmorphia, or self-harm due to excessive social media use, you are not alone. Maggio Law is here to help you seek justice and hold these companies accountable. Contact us today for a free consultation.

These tragic cases are not isolated incidents. If you or a loved one has suffered similar harm, we encourage you to act quickly.

Statute of Limitations – Do You Have Time to File?

If you are considering a social media harm lawsuit, the statute of limitations may affect your ability to file. The timeline for filing depends on whether the individual is under 18. The statute of limitations does not begin until they turn 18.

  • If the individual has passed away, the case follows the wrongful death statute of limitations.
  • It is crucial to act quickly to ensure your legal rights are protected.

How ‘Maggio Injury Lawyers Can Help

At ‘Maggio Injury Lawyers, we understand that this is more than just a lawsuit. It is about justice, accountability, and protecting future generations. We offer:

  • Compassionate legal support – We listen, guide, and advocate for you every step of the way.
  • Experienced representation – Our team is well-versed in personal injury and social media harm litigation.
  • No upfront fees – You don’t pay unless we win your case.

Take the First Step – Contact Us Today

If you or your child has been harmed by social media, you don’t try to seek justice alone. At ‘Maggio Injury Lawyers, we are here to fight for you and hold social media companies accountable. Call us today for a free, confidential consultation and learn how we can help you seek justice and compensation. Let’s work together to protect young users and make social media a safer place for all.

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