Facebook, Instagram Injury Suits Should be Combined, User Says

A Facebook and Instagram user alleging the platforms’ design caused addictive and self-destructive behavior wants lawsuits against Meta Platforms Inc. combined in a single proceeding, according to a recent filing with the US Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation.

Brianna Murden, 21, says she began using Facebook and Instagram when she was 10. Exposure to content altered by the platforms’ appearance-enhancing features and curated for her by their algorithms caused depression, eating disorders, and sleeplessness, she alleges.

At least 28 lawsuits are pending in 17 districts—mostly involving female adolescents, she says.

The lawsuits followed a former Facebook employee’s testimony to Congress ...