Meta Platforms allegedly suppressed internal research linking its social-media products to negative mental-health outcomes, according to U.S. court filings reported by Reuters on Nov. 24.
n The filings reveal a 2020 study, code‑named “Project Mercury,” in which users who deactivated Facebook reported lower levels of depression, anxiety, loneliness, and social comparison.
n Rather than publish the results, Meta halted the research, internally attributing the findings to a “media narrative,” even as a staffer privately insisted that the evidence was valid.
n Meta said the study was stopped due to methodological flaws and maintains it has long engaged in research and actions to protect teens.
