Minnesota Joins Other States, Sues TikTok

The social media app TikTok is now in the crosshairs of another state and this time it’s Minnesota. Earlier this week, Attorney General Keith Ellison filed a lawsuit against TikTok for being addictive to children. 

There Are Several Major Concerns

Minnesota became the 14th state along with the District of Columbia to file suit against the video-based platform in the last year.  In the suit, Attorney General Ellison cited a study in 2023 from the University of Minnesota that described the algorithm that guides TikTok as a “runaway train” and is one that makes its users feel like they can’t put it down. 

The main concern is for teenagers 13-17 years old and that they will face self-isolation while using the app or that they will try to compete with or try to be like other teens as far as their looks, weight and overall appearance is concerned. 

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According to an USA Today article from yesterday, the addictive nature of TikTok can alter the development of a young person's brain which can affect their emotional learning, and behavior along with the prefrontal cortex which is responsible for emotional regulation.  

There is a major concern from this suit, and the others, that the physical activity and sleep patterns that teens need for their development will also be dramatically impacted causing additional unhealthy effects.  

Additionally, the suit shares fears that TikTok Live allows for an illegal transfer system of money that contributes to the sexual exploration of children and that the company is profiting from this practice.  

The article cites that there are nearly 70 million users between 13 and 17, and around 30 million of those are on TikTok an average of two hours per day, with 17 million spending three or more hours per day.  

TikTok Responds

TikTok says that the claims these charges are misleading and inaccurate. They stress that TikTok teen accounts have over 50 safeguards to keep them safe.  

I’m sure this is not the last we will be hearing of this story.