The Damage Inflicted by Social Media
For years social media has become an increasingly popular way for people of all ages and backgrounds to interact. Unfortunately, making a profit has become more important to tech companies than the safety of their users. Now social media apps have the ability to be a very dangerous place where young children are often taken advantage of.
While many people frequent social media with harmless posts, others use these platforms to cause harm and prey on others. If you or your child are frequent social media users and have suffered from mental health issues due to social media harm, it is in your best interest to contact a social media youth harm attorney as soon as possible. At Dolman Law Group, we do not want you to suffer alone.
Parental Consent and Social Media Companies
To collect data from children, federal law requires those under the age of 13 to have parental consent. For social media platforms such as Snapchat and Tik Tok, parents are able to fill out a ‘no parental consent form. The parent can then email it to the social media company, informing them that they have not given their child permission to open one of these accounts.
The major flaw in these consent forms is that there is no foolproof way to verify that the parents have actually given their consent. There also is no notification system to alert the parent if their child has gotten onto the app and no consent was ever given by the parent.
The Mental Health Dangers Children Face on Social Media
The link between social media and mental health is undeniable yet social media companies continue to profit off of their impressionable users. Social media companies have been found to use algorithms that keep their target audience on the platform for as long as possible. Choosing to allow harmful content to circulate their platform because of the profit it brings, these companies have full control over what the algorithm is promoting to their users.
Tech giants such as Facebook and Instagram are finally being outed by former employees for the lack of concern for their users' safety. Instead of protecting their impressionable users, they are only focused on maximizing engagement on their platforms, allowing predators and those with ill intent to thrive. Social media has been found to promote and even encourage behaviors of self-harm. Young adults or adolescents using social media platforms may face abuse such as bullying, harassment, sexual exploitation, and financial exploitation.
These types of posts and interactions can lead to serious problems off of the internet including:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Isolation
- Self-harm
- Body image concerns
- Eating disorders
- Hospitalization
- Suicidal thoughts
- Suicide
The pain and suffering that is involved in social media harm can be debilitation and lead to life-long problems or even death. As a parent or a loved one, it is hard to be aware that harassment and social media harm is being done until it is too late.
Social Media Harm Lawsuits
A courtroom in London recently ruled that the suicide of a 14-year-old girl was significantly influenced by the self-harm and depressive content she was ankle to save on her Instagram page. This was one of the first times Instagram and other social media companies were held responsible for the death of one of their users.
Potential signs that your loved one is suffering from social media harm or suicidal thoughts may include:
- Withdrawing from normal activities
- Engaging in alcohol or drug use
- Isolating from friends and family
- Unusual sleeping patterns
- Talking about feeling worthless
- Talking about having no reason to live
- Giving away possessions that are special to them
Parents are at a disadvantage with being able to monitor their children online. It is impossible to know what they are viewing or who they are talking to at all times which is why it is important to be aware of the possible signs they are suffering in silence. With the world of social media always changing, having an expert social media harm attorney in your corner can make all the difference in building a case.
How Can Dolman Law Group Help With Your Social Media Harm Lawsuit?
The social media harm lawyers of Dolman Law Group can offer legal representation that is tailored to meet your needs. Our goal is to help you successfully recover fair compensation for the damages you suffered due to the harm social media companies have caused.
The attorneys at Dolman Law Group will help your social media harm case in the following ways:
- Investigating your case thoroughly and collecting evidence
- Help you gather the necessary documentation
- Assess and calculate the value of your damages, including possible mental health or hospital care
- File a claim with the insurance companies and communicate on your behalf
Our skilled attorneys can level the playing field with insurance companies while negotiating a settlement and advocate for you in the courtroom if needed. We will work closely with you to make sure every question you have is answered and every aspect of your case is handled properly.
Contact Dolman Law Group About Your Social Media Harm Case Today
Although social media lawsuits are becoming more common, you should not attempt to proceed with your case alone. Hiring an experienced social media harm attorney is your best chance and building a strong claim. If you or a loved one has suffered from mental health issues due to social media, our personal injury attorneys can diligently investigate your case so you can receive the compensation you deserve.
Dolman Law Group is actively accepting social media harm cases and we want to help you. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out for your free, no-obligation consultation. Dolman Law Group has multiple locations nationwide, including in Florida, New York, Texas, and Massachusetts. You can reach our office at any time by calling us at (866) 458-3982 or by filling out a form on our contact page.