Critics argue Meta's teen-therapy payout misses the mark

In a New Mexico courtroom, a judge ordered Meta to pay a $567 million penalty for the alleged addiction and mental-health harms its platforms cause teens, with $420 million designated for therapy services. Meta has filed an appeal against the judgment. Shortly after, the company reached a settlement with 47 states and the District of Columbia that could require up to $18 billion in payments, including provisions for parental controls and teen safeguards, as well as additional counseling funding.

State attorneys general describe the agreement as a landmark response to a generational crisis. Nonetheless, the co-founder and senior fellow of the Center for Teen Flourishing argue that directing large sums toward therapy may not address the root problems and suggest alternative approaches would be more beneficial.