Almost everyone in high school loves scrolling, letting an algorithm choose to show them what to watch, for better or for worse, with most people agreeing that it’s for worse.
Now, more than 1,000 school districts in 41 states are suing the companies allegedly responsible for this, with Ann Arbor Public Schools (AAPS) joining the legal battle against social media.
In the suit, AAPS’ Board of Education accuses social media apps like Tiktok and Instagram of sabotaging teens’ mental health on purpose in order to make their apps more addictive.
According to The Spencer Law Firm, one of the firms representing the schools, “Families, young people, and school districts allege that platforms including Meta, Tiktok, Snapchat, and Youtube were designed with features intended to maximize addictive engagement among children and adolescents.”
Plaintiffs claim that social media has affected teenagers’ social abilities and attention spans. The main point of this lawsuit is that schools are alleging that not only are these companies attempting to maximize addiction and engagement, but that they are doing so in full knowledge of the negative effects on adolescents.
“Yeah, I do think that social media does affect teens’ mental health and stuff,” says Anton Kwaiser (‘29). “I think AAPS did the right move by joining in”
Other Skyline students agree. “Yeah my attention span has gotten noticeably worse at times,” says Alex Murrell (‘29). “I use social media a good amount.”
Senior Tristan Pozenal (‘26) agrees, saying “It interrupts my thought process, and if I check my phone I gotta remember what I was doing, which can be awkward.”
The current lawsuit is not the first time someone has taken action in the form of a lawsuit against social media companies for causing distress to their mental health. Kaley vs. Meta & Youtube Inc. (Plaintiff anonymous) was a case in March, 2026, where Meta and Youtube were found liable for causing mental distress and anxiety.
This lawsuit paved the path for others hurt by these companies, resulting in over 1,000 school districts coming together, including 12 school districts in Michigan. The trial is scheduled for February 2027.
The Skyline Post reached out to AAPS Communications Director Andrew Cluely for more information on the pending litigation, and he stated no comment is available at this time.
The Skyline Post will report any updates to the lawsuit as it develops.
