Let’s make one thing clear: almost everyone we know has social media, or at the very least has been influenced by or interacted with it in some way. I use social media every day myself.
A recent lawsuit filed against Meta Platforms, formerly known as Facebook, has brought renewed attention to this issue. The lawsuit alleges that platforms such as Facebook and Instagram were intentionally designed as “digital casinos” to hook young users, ultimately contributing to a growing mental health crisis among youth. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg was summoned to defend his company in a case that remains ongoing as of February 21, 2026.
If Meta were to lose the lawsuit, the company could be forced to break up and sell Instagram and WhatsApp, in addition to facing significant financial penalties. Such a loss could also set a precedent, leaving similar platforms like TikTok and Snap Inc. vulnerable to comparable legal challenges.
Empire Posts has concluded that the events leading up to this lawsuit did not stem from a single cause. Rather, they represent a perfect storm, with responsibility shared across multiple parties. This is what we aim to examine.
First, the consumers themselves. Arguably the least at fault are young users, many of whom find themselves pulled into the world of endless scrolling. The editor of this article can personally attest to how easy it is to fall into that cycle. The factors behind this dependency vary. Some young people turn to social media as an escape from difficult home environments. Others develop a less severe but still concerning obsession fueled by algorithms that are designed to keep users engaged for as long as possible.
Next are the parents. Many of the lawsuits against social media companies are led by parents who have become alarmed by their children’s behavior online. Sometimes their concerns come too late, and sometimes just in time. They call for sweeping changes in the content being promoted and in the way these platforms operate. A lack of consistent guidance and reassurance at home can leave young people seeking validation and self worth through constant online presence. For some, the need to be online around the clock becomes the foundation of their dependency.
Then there are the social media companies themselves. Social media can be a powerful and positive tool when used responsibly. Knowing when to log on and when to step away is essential, though even the editor of this article admits there is no perfect formula. Still, the addictive nature of certain design choices cannot be ignored. For every consumer, there is a producer shaping the experience. The platforms curate and promote the content that keeps users engaged. In this lawsuit, these corporations have become the primary target, serving as the focal point for public frustration.
Finally, the government plays a role. Time and again, citizens look to lawmakers to take action that individuals cannot. Governments have the power to regulate industries and compel companies to change their practices. Laws protecting free speech have frequently been debated in terms of how they apply to social media platforms, sometimes providing companies with a shield from accountability. At the same time, it is important to recognize the financial incentives at play. Endless scrolling translates into advertising revenue. Any major change to platform design would not only result in court ordered penalties but could also reduce profits by removing the very features that keep users hooked.
As always, Empire Posts leaves the final judgment to the reader. Is social media in urgent need of reform, or do the deeper roots of this crisis lie within the family and social structures that shape the young people consuming this content?