Meta Paused Internal Study on Teen Mental Health
Meta reportedly stopped an internal study, Project Mercury, in 2019. The research explored how Facebook usage affected depression, anxiety, and social comparison. According to a court filing, the study showed that users felt better when they stopped using Facebook.
The study included a random sample of people who paused Facebook and Instagram for a month. Early results suggested mental health improvements, but Meta allegedly chose not to disclose the findings publicly.
Lawsuit Highlights Allegations
The research details emerged as part of multidistrict litigation. Plaintiffs include parents, school districts, and state attorneys general. The lawsuits claim social media companies, including Meta, YouTube, Snap, and TikTok, were aware of potential harms to young users but did not act.
Meta spokesperson Andy Stone disputed these claims. He said the allegations cherry-picked quotes and misrepresented the company’s actions. Meta maintains it has long prioritized teen safety with features like Teen Accounts and parental controls.
Company Response and Context
Stone stated the study was flawed and only showed that users who believed Facebook was harmful felt better after deactivation. He emphasized that this does not prove a causal relationship between social media use and mental health issues.
Other platforms also responded. Google said YouTube provides family controls and tools guided by child safety experts. Snap and TikTok did not immediately comment.
The lawsuits and internal studies spotlight ongoing concerns about social media’s role in youth mental health. Transparency and continued research remain critical as regulators and families seek safer digital environments.
