Canadian man sues Instagram, TikTok, YouTube over ruined productivity
A 24-year-old Canadian man has initiated a class-action lawsuit against major social media platforms including TikTok, YouTube, Reddit, Instagram, and Facebook. According to CTV Television Network, the plaintiff accuses these companies of designing their platforms to be excessively addictive. He claims that his productivity has significantly decreased, and he has developed negative body image issues due to the addictive nature of these platforms since he started using them in 2015.
Lawsuit alleges intentional design for addiction
The lawsuit, managed by Lambert Avocats, a Montreal-based law firm, argues that these social media platforms are deliberately designed to stimulate dopamine secretion in users, leading to addiction. The plaintiff asserts that despite restricting his social media usage to two hours daily, the apps continue to adversely affect his sleep and overall productivity. Philippe Brault from Lambert Avocats stated, "In 2024, it's estimated that humanity as a whole will be using social media for a total of 500 million years."
It seeks damages for negligence in app design
The lawsuit is seeking both compensatory and punitive damages from the social media companies. It alleges that these firms were negligent in their app design, leading users to become overly dependent on them. However, the future of this lawsuit remains uncertain as it requires authorization from a judge before proceeding further. This legal action reflects a growing trend in Canada, where the impact of social media is increasingly being addressed in courtrooms.
Social media's impact on education under scrutiny
In a related development, four school boards in Ontario are suing TikTok, Meta, and Snapchat for allegedly disrupting the education system. These schools are currently seeking $4.5 billion in damages. This case further underscores the growing concern over the influence of social media on various aspects of society, including education and mental health.
