US states sue TikTok, claiming its addictive features harm youth mental health
https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2024/oct/08/us-states-tiktok-lawsuit-mental-health
On closer inspection, this case misuses neuroscience so severely that it seems like it could potentially make it illegal in the US for young people to have fun.
Seriously
/1
https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2024/oct/08/us-states-tiktok-lawsuit-mental-health
On closer inspection, this case misuses neuroscience so severely that it seems like it could potentially make it illegal in the US for young people to have fun.
Seriously
/1
Comments
E.g. filings state TikTok is designed to be "intentionally addictive". The unavoidable conclusion here is that TikTok, a software construct, causes addiction.
Many would agree that this is valid. But you know who doesn't?...
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The DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) lists all the disorders, and their diagnostic criteria, acknowledged by the APA. Various forms of addictions are in there. 'TikTok addiction' is not.
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But the point remains, US states are suing TikTok in US courts, on the grounds that it causes a disorder that, according to the US medical system, doesn't exist
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https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2025-31872-001
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YES, I have read Haidt's 'The Anxious Generation'
YES, he has done research. So have I. So have countless professional researchers. We all think he's wrong.
NO, he doesn't 'make some good points'. He tells you what you assume it true. That's very different.
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This is such a silly lawsuit, but these days, there have been some pretty silly judges and juries, so…
Even here in the UK, I've seen more than one ruling that let someone off a crime because they were 'on meds' despite said meds having no link at all to their actions.
Seems legal types can be very easily misled when it comes to neuro/psych matters
https://bsky.app/profile/shuhbillskee.bsky.social/post/3l6fa5s3cc32a