Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Meta Accused of Silencing Research on Social Media's Impact

11/25/2025

25 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

A legal filing alleges Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, halted research showing users who stopped using its platforms had reduced depression and anxiety.
The filing says Meta started Project Mercury in 2019 to study its apps’ impact and halted it after unfavorable results.
Internal communications reportedly compared social media to drugs.
Meta spokesperson Andy Stone refuted the claims.

1 of 1

Story summary

A legal filing alleges Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, halted research showing users who stopped using its platforms had reduced depression and anxiety.
The filing says Meta started Project Mercury in 2019 to study its apps’ impact and halted it after unfavorable results.
Internal communications reportedly compared social media to drugs.
Meta spokesperson Andy Stone refuted the claims.