Two tribal nations, the Spirit Lake Tribe in North Dakota and the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin, are taking a stand against social media giants, accusing them of contributing to the disproportionately high rates of suicide among Native American youth. In a lawsuit filed in Los Angeles county court on Tuesday, the tribes named Facebook and Instagram's parent company Meta Platforms, Snapchat's Snap Inc., TikTok's ByteDance, and Alphabet, which owns YouTube and Google, as defendants.

The lawsuit alleges that these social media companies have intentionally designed their platforms with features that are addictive and profit-driven, leading to compulsive use among teenagers. Lonna Jackson-Street, chairperson of the Spirit Lake Tribe, stated that these companies are exploiting the vulnerabilities of Native youth, who already face historic teen suicide rates and mental health issues in Indian Country. Gena Kakkak, chairwoman of the Menominee Indian Tribe, emphasized the need for these corporations to take responsibility for creating dangerous features that increase the compulsive use of social media among Native youth.

The lawsuit also describes the deliberate misconduct of these social media companies, which has resulted in a substantial and long-term burden on the tribes and their members. Similar lawsuits are being pursued by U.S. school districts, states, cities, and other entities, claiming that platforms like TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, and YouTube are exploiting children and adolescents with features that encourage constant scrolling and checking of accounts. New York City, its schools, and public hospital system have accused these platforms of fueling a childhood mental health crisis that disrupts learning and drains resources.

In response to the allegations, Google denied the claims, stating that they have always prioritized providing young people with a safer and healthier online experience. Snapchat also defended its platform, stating that they are committed to helping teenagers feel connected, happy, and prepared to face the challenges of adolescence. However, Native American youth face unique challenges when it comes to mental health, as they experience higher rates of suicide than any other racial demographic in the U.S.

The teenage brain is wired for compulsive responses, and researchers have yet to draw a direct link between screen time and poor mental health outcomes. Psychologists and neuroscientists note the potential for both positive and negative effects of social media on teenagers' mental health. Mitch Prinstein, chief science officer at the American Psychological Association, has called for new legislation to regulate social media companies and protect the well-being of children on their platforms.

Overall, the lawsuit filed by the Spirit Lake Tribe and the Menominee Indian Tribe sheds light on the harmful impact of social media on Native American youth and calls for accountability from these powerful tech companies. As the debate around social media regulation continues, it is crucial to consider the unique challenges faced by vulnerable communities and prioritize the mental health and well-being of all teenagers.