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Looks like Meta might find itself in trouble for “hiding a study”. According to a Reuters report, the study alleged that Meta’s platform is dangerous to teenage users. So, what should you know about it?
Project Mercury was started to research the impact on mental health after deactivating social media
For your information, the study documents are among those filed in a class-action lawsuit filed by law firm Motley Rice on behalf of several school districts in the United States. In 2020, scientists at Meta began a study called Project Mercury in collaboration with the firm Nielsen to look at the impact on mental health of deactivating their social media accounts.
Additionally, the study found that users who stopped using Facebook for a week reported lower feelings of depression, anxiety, and loneliness. Due to these negative reports, Meta stopped the study because it was tainted by the “existing media narrative” about the company.
Furthermore, other documents filed by the prosecution also allege that Meta's security system for young users was intentionally ineffective because it impacted user growth. In addition, Meta's security system was also alleged to only delete accounts that committed sex trafficking 17 times.
Meta is manipulating the algorithm to market products to teens
Another claim is that Meta is increasing the optimisation of products for viewing by teenagers, even though it results in them being exposed to more dangerous content.
Plus, Meta representatives deny all of these allegations and say the lawsuit filed misrepresents the safety efforts built for teens and caregivers and insist their current safety system is broadly effective.
Moreover, this report will serve as a catalyst for more countries to impose restrictions on underage users accessing social media platforms. Australia will block users under 16 from December 10, while Malaysia will block registration of users under 16 from January 1, 2026.
Stay tuned to TechNave.com for more updates.
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