This article explores a wave of lawsuits claiming that social media companies have harmed the mental health of their users. It also looks at the ongoing scientific debate over whether these digital platforms are actually addictive.

The plaintiffs in cases against Meta, YouTube, Snap Inc., and TikTok argue that these platforms damaged their mental health during childhood. They link this alleged addiction to serious consequences, including depression and suicide. However, the experts interviewed suggest that "addiction" might be an overused term that is hard to prove in a lab. These professionals often prefer the phrase "problematic use" instead.

The article notes that some studies show excessive social media use can trigger brain changes similar to those seen in gambling. Even so, many researchers believe the overall impact on mental health across the general population is small, and they emphasize that the relationship between screen time and well-being is complicated.