Meta Platforms are not what they used to be. Facebook and Instagram used to be safe ways to connect with friends and share photos and thoughts with others. Not anymore. These platforms have changed like other social platforms, such as Tik Tok, Yobo, and Twitter. They have become the floodgate to political agendas and ethical issues such as cyberbullies, victims, banning users, and harassment that lead to lawsuits.
The Beasley Allen Law Firm brought several of the charges against Meta Platforms. Beasley Allen attorneys accused the firm of exploiting young people, neglecting to protect them, and employing psychological tricks to entice them to utilize their platforms. The corporation’s algorithm design was created to encourage regular use of the company’s platform and prolonged exposure to hazardous content. The company also stated that it ignored information about its products and services that were harmful to children and youth.
Various complaints stated that there was a correlation between the rise of mental health crises and the rise of social media and technology. Andy Birchfield, Mass. Torts Section Head Andy Birchfield had a similar view and urged the corporation to recognize the issue. He went on to say that young people who used social media contributed to the country’s mental health. The social networking application was created with the goal of reducing harm. Teenagers, on the other hand, were glued to social networking software for the sake of corporate profit, as Frances Haugen’s testimony pointed out about Facebook. In addition, the lawsuits filed in various states claimed that the prolonged exposure to its platform led to various psychological disorders and other mental health issues.
I agree, but the outcome of prolonged exposure will be based on the kind of content children and teenagers are exposed to, and the people with whom they interact. They influence their thoughts, values, and behaviors in ways that will produce different outcomes. They will also produce a scale of most to least satisfaction using social media platforms. For instance, if they are exposed to inappropriate materials, such as criminal activity or child pornography, it definitely has a negative outcome. On the contrary, the outcome will turn out differently if they are exposed to appropriate materials, such as math or programming. This is the same when hanging out with online users who either encourage, bully, or harm others in any way.
With that in mind, Meta and parent involvement are needed to reduce the ethical issues of its products and services. Open communication and parents watching their kids’ posts, chat, and messages to prevent them from using their parent login are some examples. Parents may want to talk to their kids about the vulnerability and invulnerability of social platforms. They also may want to watch who they interact with online and educate what to do when they encounter sex offenders or bullies online. Meta may want to change their policies to increase privacy and moderation since criminals and terrorists use the stage to spread their ideologies or agendas or commit crimes.
By and large, Meta and parental participation are necessary to reduce the company’s ethical issues. Its platforms have changed a lot like other social networks. It changes from being a safe place to a hostile place for users to engage with others. It has become a weapon for bullies, sex offenders, and terrorists to harm others with their malicious acts and behaviors, along with their ideologies and agendas. Although there are users who bring out the goods in others, it is not the same as it used to be. The way individuals use it and how Meta’s services and products have tarnished what social media was designed for in the beginning.
Source:
Meta, Instagram sued on behalf of 8 plaintiffs ‘for exploiting young people for profit’
