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U.S. states investigate Instagram’s mental health impact on kids

Published

4 years ago

November 19, 2021

The group will be analysing how Meta’s app attracts young people to its platforms and its impact on mental health

Meta, formally known as Facebook, is being investigated by 8 U.S. states for breaking consumer protection laws by trying to attract kids to its platforms.

The group includes attorney generals from California, Florida, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Nebraska, New Jersey, Tennessee and Vermont.

One attorney general says “Meta has failed to protect young people on its platforms and instead chose to ignore or, in some cases, double down on known manipulations that pose a real threat to physical and mental health — exploiting children in the interest of profit”.

The investigation will look into the methods that the company used to real kids into using and engaging with its social media networks as well as “the resulting harms caused by such extended engagement”.

Nebraska’s attorney general says the probe is vital “when social media platforms treat our children as mere commodities to manipulate for longer screen time engagement and data extraction”.

This follows reports that Instagram’s internal research highlighted the negative mental health impact of the platform on teens.

This led to court hearings where Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen blamed the company of “moral bankruptcy” after leaking thousands of pages of Facebook’s internal research to the media.

Facebook denies the allegations stating that the majority of users have a positive experience on their platforms.

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Global politics in flux: Palestine recognition and Albanese speculation

Trump’s UK visit sparks debate on US-UK relations, with implications for future transatlantic ties. Subscribe for more updates!

Published

46 minutes ago

September 22, 2025

Ahron Young

Trump’s UK visit sparks debate on US-UK relations, with implications for future transatlantic ties. Subscribe for more updates!

Donald Trump’s visit to the United Kingdom has dominated headlines, sparking debate about the state of US–UK relations. The former president’s high-profile trip is being closely managed by the British government, with many wondering what message he is trying to send to the world stage. Analysts suggest it could reshape the future of transatlantic ties.

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Trump and Republicans honour Charlie Kirk at Arizona memorial

Top Republicans, including Trump, honor Charlie Kirk at a memorial service amid political tensions sparked by his tragic death.

Published

49 minutes ago

September 22, 2025

Ahron Young

Top Republicans, including Trump, honor Charlie Kirk at a memorial service amid political tensions sparked by his tragic death.

Top Republicans, including President Donald Trump, gathered at Arizona’s State Farm Stadium to pay tribute to Charlie Kirk. The conservative activist was remembered in a memorial service following his tragic shooting death, which has sparked political tensions across the country.

Thousands of supporters, many dressed in patriotic colours, attended the service to celebrate Kirk’s contributions to the conservative movement. The event balanced political and religious tributes, with speakers urging attendees to carry on his legacy and continue the work he started.

Security was visibly heightened, with authorities preparing for protests and the charged atmosphere reflecting the polarised debate surrounding Kirk’s death. The memorial served as both a commemoration and a call to action for his supporters.

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