MUMBAI: In a landmark legal dispute, approximately 5,000 parents in the United States are collectively suing the popular social media platform TikTok, labelling it as “the big tobacco of the digital age." They also claimed that the app is “destroying America’s youth".

Led by ClaimsHero.io, the lawsuit is gaining traction as parents express concerns and demand accountability from the Chinese-owned tech giant amidst increasing scrutiny over its alleged impact on the mental health of teenagers. One such parent, Brittany Edwards, a single mother from Hartford, Connecticut, joined the legal fight after her 12-year-old daughter’s distressing TikTok post hinted at self-harm, revealing a darker side to the seemingly addictive app, according to the report by Money Control. The lawsuit argues that TikTok exacerbated the issue by introducing a controversial provision in July 2023, limiting parents’ ability to file claims for damages beyond a year of their child creating an account.

Kelvin Goode, founder of ClaimsHero, stressed the urgency for parents to hold TikTok accountable, asserting that the app’s addictive nature has caused significant harm. Amnesty International conducted a technical investigation, revealing a disturbing trend in TikTok’s content recommendation system. The report alleges that the platform’s algorithm leads users down “rabbit holes" of harmful content, including videos romanticizing or encouraging suicide.

Dr Nina Cerfolio, a psychiatrist, explains that TikTok’s algorithm, designed to predict user preferences, triggers a surge of dopamine in the brain’s reward centre, potentially fostering addiction among teens. Money Control added. Tragic narratives, like the story of Michelle and Dean Nasca, parents of 16-year-old Chase, who took his own life after being exposed to unsolicited violent videos on TikTok, emphasize the seriousness of the situation.

Despite TikTok’s asserted commitment to safety, parents such as Brittany Edwards argue that the platform’s lenient measures expose vulnerable teenagers to disturbing content, adversely affecting their mental well-being. Edwards shared the poignant transformation of her once cheerful and outgoing daughter into someone addicted to TikTok, underscoring the emotional toll on families. The growing concern about screen addiction, especially in developing teen brains, is evident in alarming statistics from the CDC regarding the mental health of teenage girls. In the face of this uphill battle, Edwards turned to ClaimsHero to seek justice for the profound impact TikTok had on her daughter.

The lawsuit’s objective is not only to hold TikTok accountable but also to advocate for changes like parental filters and reduced algorithmic addictiveness, aiming to protect the mental health of young users. While the lawsuit pursues accountability, experts caution against outright condemnation of TikTok. Dr Cerfolio acknowledges the platform’s potential benefits, including trends that promote wellness, but emphasizes the necessity for users to discern accurate information.

The legal battle against TikTok is anticipated to establish a precedent for regulating social media platforms and understanding their impact on users’ mental health.