Teen Takes on Meta, Lost in the Feed, Ad Wars, and Google Labeled a Monopoly 

This week’s roundup is buzzing with high-profile lawsuits and regulatory actions shaping the tech industry — from Google facing a monopolist ruling and Meta being accused of exploiting teens on Instagram.

Read on to get a quick look at the biggest headlines you should know.

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Teen Sues Meta Over Addictive Tactics

A 13-year-old from New York has filed a class-action lawsuit against Meta, alleging the company knowingly exploited Instagram’s addictive features, causing harm to teens’ mental health. 

The lawsuit seeks $5 billion in damages and demands changes like banning minor accounts without parental consent. 

The suit highlights ongoing concerns over social media’s impact on youth.

Teenager sues Meta over ‘addictive’ Instagram features | The Washington Post

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How Social Media is Destroying Our True Selves

In an era dominated by social media, our sense of self is increasingly challenged. 

While traditionally we might explore self-identity through psychology or spirituality, today’s social media saturation threatens individuality. 

This article argues that constant passive consumption leads to cognitive overload and conformity, stifling original thoughts and fostering groupthink.

Is social media ‘killing the real you’? A simple equation may hold the answer. | Upworthy

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DOJ Sues TikTok Over Kids’ Privacy Violations

The US Justice Department is suing TikTok for failing to prevent children from joining the app and unlawfully collecting their data. 

The lawsuit alleges TikTok violated the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) by allowing children under 13 to create accounts without parental consent and retaining their personal data. 

The suit seeks civil penalties and a court order to ensure future compliance.

US government sues TikTok for allegedly violating children’s privacy law | CNN

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Google Declared a Monopoly

A federal judge has deemed Google a monopoly, citing its abuse of dominance and exclusionary practices, such as paying billions for default search placements. 

While Google plans to appeal, potential remedies could include breaking up the company or halting payments to device makers. 

The case echoes Microsoft’s antitrust saga but may not significantly alter Google’s market dominance or user experience.

Google Already Won | The Atlantic

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Survey Shows Drop in Teen Girls’ Depression

In 2023, a CDC survey found a decrease in extreme depressive symptoms among teenage girls, from 57% in 2021 to 53%. 

However, persistent sadness remains high, especially among LGBTQ+ students. 

While improvements in mental health services may be helping, the survey highlights ongoing issues and the need for continued support.

Sadness Among Teen Girls May Be Improving, C.D.C. Finds | The New York Times

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X Battles Major Advertisers in Boycott Lawsuit

Elon Musk’s X has sued the Global Alliance for Responsible Media (GARM) and major advertisers, claiming they conspired to boycott advertising on the platform over brand safety concerns post-Musk’s acquisition. 

The lawsuit alleges GARM members withheld billions in ad spending, impacting X’s ad revenue. 

The suit seeks to halt GARM’s recommendations and seeks damages.

Elon Musk’s X sues ad industry group over alleged advertising ‘boycott’ | CNN

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Tourist Tidal Wave

Santorini, famed for its stunning views, faces overtourism thanks to Instagram. 

The town draws 3.4 million visitors annually, many seeking perfect sunset selfies for their social media accounts. 

Despite its popularity, locals and businesses are suffering due to outdated infrastructure and overcrowding. 

‘Worst season ever’: How things got ugly on Greece’s ‘Instagram island’ | CNN

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Other Headlines

• Google, Meta ran secret ad campaign targeting teens: report | Quartz

• ‘I cut phone screen time in half and life changed’ | BBC

• Big Tech reform is coming from the courts, not Congress. Is that good? | MSN

• There’s a Tool to Catch Students Cheating With ChatGPT. OpenAI Hasn’t Released It. | The Wall Street Journal

• Struggling AI Startups Look for a Bailout From Big Tech | The Wall Street Journal

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Did we miss anything?

Let us know in the comments below.