TikTok Is Being Sued by 5000 Parents in the US, 52.44% Acknowledge Efficacy

The popularity of the short-video-making platform TikTok has soared in recent years, especially among younger demographics. However, TikTok is being sued by 5000 parents in the US, sparking a heated debate about the responsibility of such platforms in safeguarding young users.

This lawsuit, claiming TikTok is “destroying America’s youth,” sheds light on concerns ranging from algorithmic harm to the impact on mental health. A recent survey conducted by Real Research delved into public perceptions surrounding these issues, offering valuable insights into the ongoing discourse.

Here are the key findings of the survey report:

• 6 in 10 were aware that TikTok is being sued by 5000 parents in the US.
• 93.3% agreed with the claim that TikTok’s algorithm exposes minors to harmful content.
• 52.44% acknowledged the lawsuit’s potential to address parental concerns.

TikTok Is Being Sued by 5000 Parents in the US. But Why?

The survey revealed that 61.42% of respondents were aware that TikTok is being sued by 5000 parents in the US, while the remaining 38.58% were not.

One of the pivotal claims in the lawsuit revolves around ‘algorithm harm,’ where TikTok’s search algorithm purportedly exposes minors to a deluge of violent, sexual, and suicidal content. Astonishingly, a staggering 93.3% of respondents either strongly agreed (59.46%) or somewhat agreed (33.84%) with this assertion.

Read Also: TikTok’s Text-Only Posts Is a Direct Response to Social Media Competition, Said 48.25%

TikTok and Youth Mental Health

The detrimental impact of social media content on children’s mental health has been a focal point of contention. The survey findings indicate that 58.5% of respondents have personally encountered situations where TikTok content aligns with the concerns outlined in the lawsuit.

In evaluating TikTok’s transparency regarding content risks, opinions were divided. While a quarter (25.92%) of respondents deemed the platform “very transparent,” a significant portion, 38.2%, expressed skepticism, saying it’s just “moderately transparent.” The rest (35.88%) asserted that TikTok is “not at all transparent” in adequately informing users, especially younger audiences, about potential hazards.

Is Suing TikTok the Right Way?

As TikTok is being sued by 5000 parents in the US, the proposition of implementing clear age restrictions garnered overwhelming support, with 71.22% advocating for such measures. Additionally, the survey unveiled a nuanced stance regarding the efficacy of the legal action against TikTok, with a majority (52.44%) acknowledging its potential to address parental concerns, albeit with varying degrees of certainty.

Who Should Bear the Responsibility?

The delineation of responsibility between social media platforms and parents in protecting young audiences elicited divergent opinions. While 57.38% attributed primary responsibility to platforms, 42.62% argued for parental guidance.