Internal documents reveal that Meta found clear evidence that Facebook and Instagram negatively affected users’ mental health but chose to halt research instead of addressing the risks publicly.
The 2020 study, called “Project Mercury,” measured the effects of deactivating social media accounts. Participants who stopped using the platforms reported reduced anxiety, loneliness, depression, and social comparison.
Despite these findings, Meta canceled the research, claiming results were influenced by the “existing media narrative,” while internally, staff confirmed the data showed a causal link to mental health harm.
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The revelations surfaced in a US class action lawsuit filed by school districts against Meta, TikTok, Google, and Snapchat, alleging that platforms intentionally concealed risks to users, especially teenagers.
Allegations also claim Meta limited teen safety features, allowed child predators to remain on its platforms, and prioritized engagement growth over user safety, while resisting internal efforts to improve protections.
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Meta disputed the accusations, saying its teen safety measures are effective and that the lawsuit misrepresents its work, adding that a court hearing on the case is scheduled for January 26 in California.