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.
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.
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.
Meta said the study was stopped due to methodological flaws and maintains it has long engaged in research and actions to protect teens.