Anderson School District One is joining school districts across the nation in a class action lawsuit against Social Media Companies.
District One Superintendent Robbie Binnicker said he has been in significant communications with District One attorneys regarding the devastating effects that social media such as Facebook/Meta, Instagram, Tik Tok, SnapChat and others plays in the mental health of kids.
“I am convinced that students’ use of social media has by far the greatest negative impact on their mental health,” he said. “Over the past ten years, as social media use has significantly increased, we have seen mental health issues skyrocket over that same time period. While I am not a psychologist, it is not hard to see the significant relationship between mental health issues and social media use. Many students’ self worth is significantly tied to their social media online presence.”
Binnicker said “The number of “likes” and “views” they receive impacts their mental state. Anxiety, depression, eating disorders, self-harm (cutting) and suicidal ideation have all increased significantly as the use of social media has increased. These are impacting our students in a very real way and making it much more difficult for students to be successful academically and socially.”
Binnicker said social media companies have made huge profits off of the use of their platforms by students. “The algorithms they use push students into “echo chambers” hearing constant messages and videos that negatively impact their mental health.”
“It is my belief the companies are WELL aware of the effects of their social media apps but choose profits over what is best for students. I see no difference between what these companies are doing versus the tobacco industry years ago.”
During the District One Board meeting last week, Binnicker told Board members that like the Juul lawsuit District One participated in, he would like to see District One join the class action suit against social media companies.
The Board was given a short presentation that includes recommendations from the Surgeon General stating technology companies must step up and take responsibility for creating a safe digital environment for children and youth, senior executives should acknowledge that their products can harm some young people and take steps to prevent and mitigate those harms, even at the expense of engagement and profit, and build products and service using a precautionary approach that focuses on making them safe before they are deployed.
The presentation also included testimony from a META whistleblower regarding Instagram studies which show the platform make young female eating disorders and depression worse.
The whistleblower also stated that Facebook and Instagram leaders know how to make them safer, but won’t make the necessary changes.
The presentation states that META’s own research shows they make body image issues worse for one in three teen girls and teens blame Instagram for increases in the rate of anxiety and depression.
Binnicker said that it may take three years of litigation for it to be settled and that State AGs are likely to file lawsuits.
“Even if the suit is unsuccessful, I believe we draw needed attention and may force some of the companies to consider making changes to their algorithms and platforms.”
Binnicker said there is no cost to the District. “We dont’ want money. We want social media companies to fix the problem.”
