Hundreds of families in the United States are suing some of the world’s largest technology companies, claiming that they knowingly expose children to harmful products. One plaintiff, Taylor Little, shares their story of addiction to social media, which led to suicide attempts and years of depression. Taylor describes the tech companies as “big, bad monsters” who put addictive and damaging products in the hands of children. The lawsuit, one of the largest ever mounted in Silicon Valley, targets Meta (owner of Facebook and Instagram), TikTok, Google, and Snap Inc (owner of Snapchat), alleging that these platforms are harmful by design. The families’ lawyers argue that the case of Molly Russell, a British schoolgirl who died by suicide after being exposed to self-harm content on social media, exemplifies the potential harms faced by teenagers.
Last week, a federal judge ruled that the companies could not use the First Amendment or Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act to block the lawsuit. The judge determined that issues such as poor parental controls and inadequate age verification are not matters of freedom of expression. This ruling was seen as a significant victory for the families. The companies involved deny the claims and plan to defend themselves vigorously.
Taylor, who lives in Colorado, explains that their addiction to social media was so severe that they felt unbearable withdrawals when their phone was taken away. They recall being exposed to graphic self-harm images at the age of 11 with no warning. Taylor also struggled with content related to body image and eating disorders, describing it as a constant bombardment that felt like a cult. The plaintiffs’ lawyers are focusing on the design of the platforms rather than individual posts or images, arguing that the apps contain features that cause addiction and harm.
Meta released a statement expressing sympathy for the families and assuring parents that they prioritize the safety of teens online. TikTok declined to comment, while Google stated that the allegations are untrue and that protecting kids on their platforms is a core focus. Snapchat emphasized that their platform is designed to remove the pressure to be perfect and that they vet all content before it reaches a large audience.
Taylor is familiar with the story of Molly Russell, who took her own life after being exposed to negative content on Instagram. Taylor feels fortunate to have survived and is determined to see the legal action through. They believe that the tech companies are aware of the harm caused by their platforms but prioritize profit over the well-being of users. Taylor’s hope for better social media rests on winning the lawsuit and forcing the companies to make necessary changes, as they believe the companies will never choose to do so voluntarily.
Original news source: ‘I was addicted to social media – now I’m suing Big Tech’ (BBC)
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Group or Classroom Activities
Warm-up Activities:
– News Reporter Role-play
Instructions: Students pair up, with one playing the role of a news reporter and the other the role of Taylor Little or a legal representative of the plaintiff’s families. The reporter will conduct an interview, asking questions about the lawsuit, the impact of social media on children, and the families’ expectations from the legal action. Students should use information from the article to make the role-play realistic and informative.
– Opinion Spectrum
Instructions: Write a series of statements related to the article on the board (e.g., “Social media companies should be held accountable for the content on their platforms,” “Parental controls are sufficient to protect children online,” etc.). Students stand in a line according to how strongly they agree or disagree with each statement, with one end of the room representing ‘strongly agree’ and the other ‘strongly disagree.’ Invite students from various points on the spectrum to explain their positions.
– Sketch It
Instructions: In groups, students are tasked with creating a storyboard or comic strip that illustrates the key events and issues presented in the article. Encourage them to include the lawsuit, the judge’s ruling, the impact of social media on Taylor Little’s life, and the statements from the tech companies. Once completed, groups can present their storyboards to the class and discuss the main points depicted.
– Vocabulary Pictionary
Instructions: Write down key terms from the article (e.g., lawsuit, addiction, self-harm, graphic content, parental controls, age verification, First Amendment, etc.) on slips of paper. Students take turns picking a slip and drawing the concept on the board without speaking or writing words. Their team must guess the term based only on the drawing. Set a time limit for each round to keep the pace lively.
– Future Predictions
Instructions: Ask students to reflect on the article and write down their predictions about the outcome of the lawsuit and the future of social media regulation. Then, have them share their predictions in small groups and discuss the possible implications for users and the tech companies involved. Encourage them to use conditional structures (e.g., “If the lawsuit is successful, tech companies might…”) to practice hypothesizing in English.
Comprehension Questions:
1. What are the families in the United States suing the technology companies for?
2. Who is Taylor Little and what is their experience with social media?
3. Which technology companies are being targeted in the lawsuit and why?
4. What did the federal judge rule regarding the use of the First Amendment or Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act by the companies?
5. What specific issues did the judge determine are not protected by freedom of expression?
6. How does Taylor describe their exposure to harmful content on social media at the age of 11?
7. What is the focus of the plaintiffs’ lawyers in their argument against the tech companies?
8. What changes does Taylor hope to achieve through the legal action against the tech companies?
Go to answers ⇩
Listen and Fill in the Gaps:
Hundreds of families in the United (1)______ are suing some of the world’s largest technology companies, claiming that they knowingly expose children to harmful products. One plaintiff, Taylor Little, shares their story of addiction to social media, which led to (2)______ attempts and years of depression. Taylor describes the tech companies as “big, bad monsters” who put addictive and damaging products in the hands of children. The lawsuit, one of the largest ever mounted in Silicon Valley, targets Meta (owner of Facebook and Instagram), TikTok, (3)______, and Snap Inc (owner of Snapchat), alleging that these platforms are harmful by design. The families’ lawyers (4)______ that the case of Molly Russell, a British schoolgirl who died by suicide after being (5)______ to self-harm content on social media, exemplifies the potential harms faced by teenagers.
Last week, a federal judge ruled that the (6)______ could not use the First Amendment or Section 230 of the (7)______ Decency Act to block the lawsuit. The judge determined that issues such as poor parental controls and inadequate age verification are not matters of freedom of expression. This ruling was seen as a significant victory for the families. The companies involved deny the claims and plan to defend themselves vigorously.
Taylor, who lives in Colorado, explains that their addiction to social media was so severe that they felt (8)______ withdrawals when their phone was taken away. They recall being exposed to graphic self-harm images at the age of 11 with no warning. Taylor also struggled with content related to body image and eating disorders, describing it as a constant bombardment that felt like a cult. The plaintiffs’ lawyers are focusing on the design of the (9)______ rather than (10)______ posts or images, arguing that the apps contain features that cause addiction and harm.
Meta released a statement expressing sympathy for the families and (11)______ parents that they prioritize the (12)______ of teens online. TikTok declined to comment, while Google stated that the allegations are untrue and that protecting kids on their platforms is a core focus. Snapchat emphasized that their platform is designed to remove the pressure to be (13)______ and that they vet all content before it reaches a large audience.
Taylor is familiar with the story of Molly Russell, who took her own life after being exposed to negative content on Instagram. Taylor feels fortunate to have survived and is determined to see the legal action through. They (14)______ that the tech companies are aware of the harm caused by their platforms but prioritize (15)______ over the well-being of users. Taylor’s hope for better social media rests on (16)______ the lawsuit and forcing the companies to make necessary changes, as they believe the companies will never choose to do so voluntarily.
Go to answers ⇩
Discussion Questions:
Students can ask a partner these questions, or discuss them as a group.
1. What is your stance on the idea that technology companies should be held accountable for the content their users are exposed to?
2. How would you feel if you found out a child in your family was being negatively affected by social media?
3. Do you think social media platforms should implement stricter age verification processes? Why or why not?
4. Have you or someone you know ever experienced addiction to social media, and how did it affect your or their life?
5. What measures do you believe could be effective in preventing social media addiction among young users?
6. Do you like the idea of having more parental control features on social media platforms? Why or why not?
7. How do you think exposure to harmful content on social media compares to other risks children face today?
8. Do you think the design of social media apps is to blame for addiction and negative impacts, or is it more about the content itself?
9. In your opinion, do tech companies prioritize profit over user well-being, or do you believe they are also concerned about their users’ health?
10. What is your opinion on the balance between freedom of expression and the need to protect users from harmful content?
11. How would you feel if you were part of a lawsuit against a major tech company? Would you be optimistic about the outcome?
12. Do you think winning a lawsuit against tech companies would lead to significant changes on social media platforms? Why or why not?
13. Have you ever come across content on social media that you found disturbing or harmful? What did you do about it?
14. Do you think the concept of a “perfect” image on social media is harmful to users, especially teenagers? Why or why not?
15. What is your perception of the role of social media in mental health, based on your own experiences or observations?
Individual Activities
Vocabulary Meanings:
Match each word to its meaning.
Words:
1. addiction
2. harmful
3. platforms
4. lawsuit
5. social media
6. harm
7. companies
8. changes
Meanings:
(a) Physical or psychological injury or damage
(b) Causing damage or injury
(c) Websites and applications that allow users to create and share content
(d) Legal action taken against someone in a court of law
(e) A strong dependence on a substance or activity
(f) Modifications or alterations made to something
(g) Organizations or businesses
(h) Online services or applications
Go to answers ⇩
Multiple Choice Questions:
1. What are the families in the United States suing the technology companies for?
(a) Knowingly exposing children to harmful products
(b) Creating addictive social media platforms
(c) Violating the First Amendment
(d) Failing to verify users’ ages adequately
2. Which of the following companies is NOT targeted in the lawsuit?
(a) TikTok
(b) Meta
(c) Google
(d) Apple
3. What was the judge’s ruling regarding the companies’ defense?
(a) The companies can use the First Amendment to block the lawsuit
(b) The companies can use Section 230 to block the lawsuit
(c) The companies cannot use the First Amendment or Section 230 to block the lawsuit
(d) The companies can use both the First Amendment and Section 230 to block the lawsuit
4. What did Taylor experience when their phone was taken away?
(a) Relief from social media addiction
(b) Increased productivity
(c) No significant impact
(d) Unbearable withdrawals
5. What type of content did Taylor encounter at the age of 11?
(a) Positive affirmations
(b) Educational videos
(c) Funny memes
(d) Graphic self-harm images
6. What aspect of the platforms are the plaintiffs’ lawyers focusing on?
(a) Individual posts or images
(b) The design of the platforms
(c) The lack of age verification
(d) The companies’ profit margins
7. How did Snapchat respond to the allegations?
(a) They declined to comment
(b) They admitted fault and apologized
(c) They emphasized their commitment to user safety
(d) They denied the claims and planned to defend themselves
8. What is Taylor’s hope for better social media?
(a) Winning the lawsuit and forcing necessary changes
(b) Convincing the companies to voluntarily make changes
(c) Shutting down all social media platforms
(d) Encouraging users to be more responsible online
Go to answers ⇩
True or False Questions:
1. One plaintiff, Taylor Little, does not share their story of addiction to social media, which led to suicide attempts and years of depression.
2. The companies involved deny the claims and plan to defend themselves vigorously.
3. The lawsuit targets Meta (owner of Facebook and Instagram), TikTok, Google, and Snap Inc (owner of Snapchat), alleging that these platforms are harmful by design.
4. A federal judge ruled that the companies can use the First Amendment or Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act to block the lawsuit.
5. The families’ lawyers argue that the case of Molly Russell, a British schoolgirl who did not die by suicide after being exposed to self-harm content on social media, exemplifies the potential benefits faced by teenagers.
6. Families in the United States are suing major technology companies, claiming that they knowingly expose children to harmful products.
7. Taylor, one of the plaintiffs, experienced severe addiction to social media and felt unbearable withdrawals when their phone was taken away.
8. The plaintiffs’ lawyers are not focusing on the design of the platforms rather than individual posts or images, arguing that the apps do not contain features that cause addiction and harm.
Go to answers ⇩
Write a Summary:
Write a summary of this news article in two sentences.
Writing Questions:
Answer the following questions. Write as much as you can for each answer.
1. What are the main allegations made by the families suing the technology companies?
2. How has Taylor Little’s personal experience influenced their view of the tech companies involved in the lawsuit?
3. What significant legal ruling did the federal judge make regarding the lawsuit against the tech companies?
4. How are the technology companies responding to the claims made in the lawsuit?
5. What specific design features of the social media platforms are the plaintiffs’ lawyers focusing on in their argument?
Answers
Comprehension Question Answers:
1. What are the families in the United States suing the technology companies for?
The families are suing the technology companies for knowingly exposing children to harmful products that can lead to addiction, depression, and in some cases, suicide.
2. Who is Taylor Little and what is their experience with social media?
Taylor Little is one of the plaintiffs who suffered from addiction to social media, which led to suicide attempts and years of depression. Taylor describes being exposed to graphic self-harm images and content related to body image and eating disorders from a young age.
3. Which technology companies are being targeted in the lawsuit and why?
The lawsuit targets Meta (owner of Facebook and Instagram), TikTok, Google, and Snap Inc (owner of Snapchat), alleging that these platforms are harmful by design and contribute to addiction and harm among children and teenagers.
4. What did the federal judge rule regarding the use of the First Amendment or Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act by the companies?
The federal judge ruled that the companies could not use the First Amendment or Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act to block the lawsuit.
5. What specific issues did the judge determine are not protected by freedom of expression?
The judge determined that issues such as poor parental controls and inadequate age verification are not matters of freedom of expression.
6. How does Taylor describe their exposure to harmful content on social media at the age of 11?
Taylor describes being exposed to graphic self-harm images at the age of 11 with no warning, and struggling with content related to body image and eating disorders, feeling like a constant bombardment that felt like a cult.
7. What is the focus of the plaintiffs’ lawyers in their argument against the tech companies?
The plaintiffs’ lawyers are focusing on the design of the platforms rather than individual posts or images, arguing that the apps contain features that cause addiction and harm.
8. What changes does Taylor hope to achieve through the legal action against the tech companies?
Taylor hopes to force the tech companies to make necessary changes to their platforms to prioritize the well-being of users over profit, as they believe the companies will not choose to do so voluntarily.
Go back to questions ⇧
Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:
(1) States
(2) suicide
(3) Google
(4) argue
(5) exposed
(6) companies
(7) Communications
(8) unbearable
(9) platforms
(10) individual
(11) assuring
(12) safety
(13) perfect
(14) believe
(15) profit
(16) winning
Go back to questions ⇧
Vocabulary Meanings Answers:
1. addiction
Answer: (e) A strong dependence on a substance or activity
2. harmful
Answer: (b) Causing damage or injury
3. platforms
Answer: (h) Online services or applications
4. lawsuit
Answer: (d) Legal action taken against someone in a court of law
5. social media
Answer: (c) Websites and applications that allow users to create and share content
6. harm
Answer: (a) Physical or psychological injury or damage
7. companies
Answer: (g) Organizations or businesses
8. changes
Answer: (f) Modifications or alterations made to something
Go back to questions ⇧
Multiple Choice Answers:
1. What are the families in the United States suing the technology companies for?
Answer: (a) Knowingly exposing children to harmful products
2. Which of the following companies is NOT targeted in the lawsuit?
Answer: (b) Meta
3. What was the judge’s ruling regarding the companies’ defense?
Answer: (c) The companies cannot use the First Amendment or Section 230 to block the lawsuit
4. What did Taylor experience when their phone was taken away?
Answer: (d) Unbearable withdrawals
5. What type of content did Taylor encounter at the age of 11?
Answer: (d) Graphic self-harm images
6. What aspect of the platforms are the plaintiffs’ lawyers focusing on?
Answer: (b) The design of the platforms
7. How did Snapchat respond to the allegations?
Answer: (c) They emphasized their commitment to user safety
8. What is Taylor’s hope for better social media?
Answer: (a) Winning the lawsuit and forcing necessary changes
Go back to questions ⇧
True or False Answers:
1. One plaintiff, Taylor Little, does not share their story of addiction to social media, which led to suicide attempts and years of depression. (Answer: False)
2. The companies involved deny the claims and plan to defend themselves vigorously. (Answer: True)
3. The lawsuit targets Meta (owner of Facebook and Instagram), TikTok, Google, and Snap Inc (owner of Snapchat), alleging that these platforms are harmful by design. (Answer: True)
4. A federal judge ruled that the companies can use the First Amendment or Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act to block the lawsuit. (Answer: False)
5. The families’ lawyers argue that the case of Molly Russell, a British schoolgirl who did not die by suicide after being exposed to self-harm content on social media, exemplifies the potential benefits faced by teenagers. (Answer: False)
6. Families in the United States are suing major technology companies, claiming that they knowingly expose children to harmful products. (Answer: True)
7. Taylor, one of the plaintiffs, experienced severe addiction to social media and felt unbearable withdrawals when their phone was taken away. (Answer: True)
8. The plaintiffs’ lawyers are not focusing on the design of the platforms rather than individual posts or images, arguing that the apps do not contain features that cause addiction and harm. (Answer: False)
Go back to questions ⇧
