Meta Faces Scrutiny Over Alleged Suppression of Teen Mental Health Research
Meta Platforms (META) is under renewed scrutiny following a class action filing alleging the company halted research into teen mental health after unfavorable results. Internal documents reveal Project Mercury, a 2020 study conducted with Nielsen, showed users who took a week-long break from Facebook and Instagram reported reduced mood-related strain and peer pressure. Despite internal endorsements of the study's validity, Meta reportedly terminated the project, citing methodological flaws—a claim contested by plaintiffs.
The filing also implicates Google (GOOGL), TikTok, and Snap (SNAP), accusing the firms of concealing known risks to adolescent well-being. Meanwhile, META shares edged up 0.87% to $594.25, demonstrating market resilience amid the controversy.