Meta under scrutiny: new revelations about information concealment
In 2025, the public is once again debating the actions of Meta—the corporation behind the world’s largest social networks. Internal documents presented in a US court have come to light. They show that the company’s management was aware of their platforms’ negative impact on teenagers’ mental health but chose not to disclose this information.
These concerns are based on findings from studies conducted within Meta over several years. Notably, under the working title “Project Mercury,” company specialists identified a direct link between active use of Facebook and Instagram and increases in anxiety, depression, and body dissatisfaction among underage users. Despite the gravity of these conclusions, the company not only failed to make them public but also took no real action to address the issue.
Legal battles and Meta’s response
During the trial, representatives from several US states presented evidence that Meta knowingly concealed information about the harm caused by its platforms. The case materials included reports noting improved well-being among users who temporarily avoided social networks. However, the publication of these findings was blocked by Meta, citing their alleged inconsistency with the company’s internal standards.
Meta, in turn, tried to challenge the credibility of the presented documents, citing the alleged lack of scientific rigor in the research. Nevertheless, this stance sparked a wave of criticism from experts and public organizations, who point to the systemic nature of the problem and the lack of real measures to protect young people.
Addiction problem and corporate responsibility
Experts note that the Facebook and Instagram algorithms were originally designed to maximize user engagement. This leads to the development of addiction, especially among teenagers, whose minds are particularly vulnerable. Despite claims of prioritizing safety, the company continues to implement features that increase the time users spend on its apps.
According to specialists, attempts to introduce digital well-being tools are mostly superficial and fail to address the root cause. As a result, millions of young people around the world experience deteriorating emotional health, and parents and educators are left to find ways to protect children from the negative impact of social media on their own.
The need for regulation and society’s role
The discussion of new facts once again raises the issue of the need for strict regulation of tech giants. Many experts believe that current measures are insufficient and that fines or warnings fail to change corporate policies. Legislative initiatives are needed to require companies not only to disclose risks but also to implement real mechanisms to protect users.
For now, responsibility for digital safety largely falls on users and their families. Limiting time on social networks, improving digital literacy, and pressuring authorities to adopt new laws are steps anyone can take today.
In case you didn’t know: What is Meta, and why is its influence so great?
Meta Platforms, Inc. is one of the world’s largest technology companies, founded by Mark Zuckerberg in 2004 as Facebook. In 2021, the company changed its name to Meta to emphasize its development of new areas such as virtual and augmented reality. Meta’s portfolio includes services like Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Messenger, used daily by billions of people worldwide.
The corporation holds a leading position in the digital communications and advertising market, and its solutions directly shape the behavior and lifestyles of millions of users. In recent years, Meta has repeatedly faced criticism over privacy concerns, the spread of misinformation, and its impact on mental health. Despite numerous scandals, the company continues to expand its services and implement new technologies, further strengthening its influence on society.
In 2025, Meta remains one of the world’s most talked-about brands, and any news about the corporation sparks widespread public debate. Issues of ethics, transparency, and social responsibility continue to be in the spotlight, and judging by recent events, this discussion is bound to intensify.
