Context
Regulations and legal action are necessary to address social media's negative effects, especially with regard to mental health.
 
The Effects of Social Media on Mental Health 
·         Historical Caution: Incidents such as "The Social Dilemma" and Cambridge Analytica brought attention to how social media can influence people's behavior.
·         Meta's Position: Following the revelation by leaker Frances Haugen of the detrimental effects Instagram had on adolescent girls' body image, Meta (formerly Facebook) experienced backlash.
·         In the US, legal action: 42 Attorney Generals are suing Meta on the grounds that its addictive platforms actively fuel the mental health crises among young people.
 
The Business Model Is the Issue  
·         Change in Goals: The desire to make money off of user interaction and data drove social networks' transformation into social media.
·         Impact on User Behavior: Algorithms take advantage of dopaminergic reactions to promote addiction and put financial gain ahead of users' welfare.
·         Possible Repercussions for Meta: The lawsuit might result in significant fines, put Meta's business plan in jeopardy, and draw attention from international regulators.

Accountability and Change Are Necessary  
·         Global Impact: By stressing responsibility for content hosting, the UK, EU, and India are considering taking regulatory action against the major social media companies.
·         Meta's Reaction: Upholds measures done to assist adolescent users and advocates for constructive cooperation above a combative strategy.
·         Possible Subscription Model Transition: For long-term viability and user satisfaction, alternatives to the advertising-based revenue model should be taken into account.

LTX Mains Question  
Q. Explain the moral and legal issues that social media companies raise in light of their effects on user behavior and mental health. Examine possible tactics to guarantee ethical and accountable behavior in the sector.