Snapchat Lawsuit

Why are people filing lawsuits against Snapchat?

Lawsuits against social media companies are becoming more common. Snap, Inc., the parent company of Snapchat, is no exception. These cases include allegations that Snapchat contributes to a mental health crisis among children and lacks adequate parental controls. They also allege the company knew of these harms and has failed to adequately warn parents or implement safety features to protect their children.

How does Snapchat cause harm and affect mental health?

Snapchat allows people to chat with each other with pictures or short videos called “snaps.” The app has several features that encourage compulsive use and reckless behavior by children, whose young brains crave social connection and approval. These features include:

• Disappearing Messages: The primary use of Snapchat is to send photos and videos that are only viewable for short amounts of time. While this feature quickly made Snapchat known as “the sexting app,” even innocuous messages quickly disappear. As a result, many children constantly worry that they are missing out on what is happening on the app and compulsively check it.
• Snapstreak. Users achieve a Snapstreak, signified by a special icon on the app, when they snap each other within 24-hour periods for three or more days in a row. But if they miss even one day, the streak goes away. This gamification of friendship can create “feelings of pressure, anxiety and compulsion.” 
• Beauty Filters: Snapchat, in particular, is highly associated with negative body image. So much so that the term “Snapchat dysmorphia” has been coined to describe the warped effect the app’s various filters have on young people. This dysmorphia has even led to an increase in requests for plastic surgeons to make users look like the filtered self they see on social media.

What are the harms social media can cause?

Harms from using social media can range from mild sleep disruptions to severe actions like self-harm. The following is a list of conditions that researchers have connected to excessive use of social media apps such as Snapchat. 

• Anxiety
• Body dissatisfaction (body image issues)
• Depression
• Exposure to bullies
• Low self-esteem
• Poor sleep habits
• Self-harm such as cutting
• Social comparison

Studies show that teens who spend more than three hours daily on social media platforms are twice as likely to develop mental health issues.

Contact a Snapchat attorney

You may be eligible to file a claim if you or your child has suffered harmful mental or physical health effects because of using social media platforms like Snapchat, TikTok or Instagram.

Contact Motley Rice for more information about a social media lawsuit.

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Who is filing Snapchat lawsuits?

Snapchat and its parent company, Snap Inc., are facing a number of lawsuits in a multidistrict litigation related to the app’s addictive design and the alleged harm it causes children. The parties filing these individual lawsuits include:

• Parents of children who have been harmed by Snapchat
• Adults who were harmed as children by Snapchat
• School districts that have suffered costs and damages as a result of Snapchat

Have any Snapchat class action lawsuits been filed?

Yes, but it is not related to mental health or addiction. In May 2022, a class action lawsuit against Snap Inc. was filed in Illinois. The lawsuit alleged that Snapchat collected facial recognition data with its filters and lenses, but didn’t tell users about the collection or get permission first. Snap agreed to a settlement, so the class action lawsuit, Boone, et al. v. Snap Inc., did not go to trial.

Our law firm helps families and children with social media lawsuits

Motley Rice attorneys have worked for decades to help families and individuals stand up to large corporations. We have the necessary experience to assist those harmed by technology and social media companies, such as Snap Inc. If you or your child have been harmed by addictive use of social media, our attorneys can help you file an individual lawsuit.

Our firm understands the stress and emotional turmoil individuals and families can face when filing a lawsuit for abuse. Your well-being is important to our team. Our lawyers will listen to the details of your case and determine if you are eligible to file a lawsuit.

Help for self-harm and suicidal behavior

If you or a loved one are in crisis, national resources can help immediately.

• You can reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988. This free and confidential call will connect you with a trained staff member. You can also visit their website: 988lifeline.org.
• You can contact the National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA) toll-free number at 1-800-931-2237. The association’s website can also direct you to resources at NationalEatingDisorders.org.