A team of lawyers linked to ClassAction.org is gearing up for a mass arbitration initiative against Meta, the parent company of Instagram. They claim that the social media platform deliberately designed addictive features that have adversely affected users’ mental health.
To qualify, you need to be at least 18 years old, have used Instagram within the last five years, and feel that your mental health has suffered as a result. Instead of a class action lawsuit, the attorneys are opting for mass arbitration, allowing numerous individuals to submit separate arbitration claims regarding the same matter.
Joining the campaign is free, and the attorneys will only receive payment if a claim is successful. Possible recoveries may include medical costs, lost income, emotional distress, and more — although compensation is not guaranteed.
The Allegations Against Instagram / Meta
Instagram was reportedly designed to be addictive, focusing on user engagement rather than user well-being. Meta’s internal studies allegedly indicate that the app can trigger or exacerbate anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and various other mental health challenges. Lawyers argue that Instagram’s features, such as infinite scrolling, Reels, and Stories, make it increasingly difficult for users to disconnect.
Users have shared experiences of being unable to reclaim the time lost to the app, or finding themselves trapped in dark mental states that originated from aimless scrolling.
Research indicates that individuals who compare themselves to others on Instagram are particularly susceptible to negative mental health effects.
On Reddit, users have described:
“I scroll through Instagram for 5 minutes and I become the most negative, most stressed person ever… it is ruining my day and slowly ruining my life.”
“I’m starting to wonder if my Instagram addiction is the reason why I’ve been feeling this way.”
Some users say their attention span, productivity, and emotional well-being have suffered.
Mass Arbitration vs. Class Action
Instagram’s Terms of Use mandate that users settle disputes through arbitration instead of litigation, which is the reason this campaign opts for arbitration.
Mass arbitration enables numerous individuals to file claims at the same time, each through their own arbitration process, rather than consolidating everyone into a single lawsuit.
What You Can Do
- Click on the link provided by the attorneys to express your interest if you meet the qualifications.
- Should the campaign proceed, you might receive guidance on how to submit your individual arbitration claim.
- Keep an eye on your email or the attorneys’ public announcements for any updates.
What It’s Not
- This does not ensure compensation.
- This is not a class action lawsuit — you are not combined with others into a single case.
- There’s no initial fee for joining — you only pay if your claim is successful.
This possible mass arbitration initiative is part of a larger wave of examination directed at social media companies regarding their designs, algorithms, and the impact on mental health. If you feel that Instagram has adversely impacted your well-being, this could be your opportunity to make your voice heard.
