Meta Accused of Hiding Research on Mental Health Risks of Social Media
Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has been accused of concealing internal research that found its platforms could harm users’ mental health, according to a report by Reuters. The allegations surfaced in documents filed in a lawsuit led by law firm Motley Rice, representing several U.S. school districts, which claim Meta’s platforms pose dangers to teenage users.
Project Mercury Study Findings
In 2020, Meta scientists launched Project Mercury in collaboration with Nielsen to examine the mental health impact of deactivating social media accounts. The study revealed that users who stopped using Facebook for a week reported lower levels of depression, anxiety, and loneliness. However, Meta allegedly halted the project, citing concerns that the findings were influenced by “existing media narratives” critical of the company.
Additional documents filed by prosecutors claim Meta deliberately maintained ineffective safety systems for young users to prioritize growth. One allegation states that Meta’s system would only remove accounts engaged in sexual exploitation after 17 violations. Critics also accuse Meta of optimizing its products to increase visibility among teenagers, even if it exposed them to harmful content.
Meta’s Response
Meta has denied all allegations, arguing that the lawsuit misrepresents its safety efforts. Company representatives stressed that Meta’s current safety systems are widely effective and designed to protect both teenagers and their guardians.
The controversy is expected to fuel stricter regulations worldwide on underage social media access.
- Australia will ban users under 16 from accessing social platforms starting 10th December 2025.
- Malaysia will enforce a similar restriction, prohibiting registrations for users under 16 beginning 1st January 2026.
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