Meta Accused of Burying Internal Study Linking Facebook and Instagram to Mental Health Harm

Meta executives allegedly shut down an internal research project after it found direct evidence that Facebook and Instagram harm users’ mental health. This revelation comes from newly unsealed court documents filed in a U.S. class-action lawsuit. The case involves numerous school districts suing major social media companies.

According to Reuters, the internal study, code-named “Project Mercury,” was conducted in 2020. It concluded that users who stopped using the platforms reported significant improvements in their well-being.

Project Mercury Findings Allegedly Suppressed

The 2020 research project collaborated with the survey firm Nielsen. It was designed to measure the psychological effects of deactivating Facebook and Instagram. The results reportedly showed a clear causal link.

People who stopped using Facebook for just one week felt less depressed and anxious. They also reported lower feelings of loneliness and social comparison. These findings were a disappointment to the company, internal documents state.

Instead of publishing these results, Meta leadership allegedly called off further research. They internally claimed the negative findings were tainted by existing negative media coverage. This was despite staff privately assuring then-policy chief Nick Clegg the study was valid.

Legal Battle Intensifies Over Youth Safety

The allegations form part of a broader legal fight. Law firm Motley Rice is representing school districts against Meta, Google, TikTok, and Snapchat. The plaintiffs argue these companies knowingly hid the risks their products posed to young users.

The filing contains several other serious claims against Meta. It alleges the company designed weak youth safety features to avoid hurting growth. It also claims Meta set an extremely high threshold for removing sex traffickers from its platforms.

In a statement to Reuters, Meta spokesman Andy Stone called the allegations a misrepresentation. He stated the company has worked diligently for over a decade to protect teens. Stone also defended the company’s safety measures as “broadly effective.”

The unsealed court documents present a stark picture of corporate decision-making. They suggest a prioritization of growth over user well-being. The outcome of this legal battle could reshape the social media landscape and its accountability for mental health impacts.

Thought you’d like to know

What was “Project Mercury”?

It was an internal Meta research project conducted in 2020. The study worked with Nielsen to assess the mental health impact of deactivating Facebook. It found that stopping use reduced feelings of depression and anxiety.

How did Meta reportedly respond to the findings?

Internal documents allege the company canceled further research. It did not publish the results and internally dismissed the conclusions. Staff privately acknowledged the study’s validity despite the public stance.

Who is involved in the lawsuit?

Multiple U.S. school districts are suing Meta, Google, TikTok, and Snapchat. The lawsuit is being handled by the law firm Motley Rice. It alleges the platforms intentionally hid risks from parents and educators.

What other allegations are in the filing?

The filing claims Meta designed safety features to be ineffective. It also alleges the company delayed action against child predators due to growth concerns. Another claim states Mark Zuckerberg prioritized metaverse development over child safety.

What has Meta said in its defense?

Meta spokesman Andy Stone said the study’s methodology was flawed. He stated the company strongly disagrees with the allegations. Stone emphasized Meta’s long-term commitment to teen safety.