The Tragic Consequences of Social Media and the Fight for Accountability
In 2020, a 14-year-old girl named Englyn Roberts took her own life after watching a self-strangulation video on Instagram. Her story is one of many that highlight the growing concerns about the impact of social media on young people's mental health and safety. These tragic events have sparked a broader conversation about whether tech companies are doing enough to prevent harm.
A new documentary titled Can't Look Away: The Case Against Social Media explores this very issue. The film will be screened at the Vallejo John F. Kennedy Library on Sunday at 1 p.m. in the Joseph Meeting Room. Following the screening, there will be a discussion led by attorneys featured in the film, offering insight into the legal challenges faced by families affected by social media-related tragedies.
The 2025 documentary follows the ongoing legal battles between major social media platforms and the families of children who have suffered due to what critics describe as the apps’ toxic environments. Directed by Matthew O'Neill and Perry Peltz, the film focuses on the Social Media Victims Law Center, a small but determined firm that began its work in 2021 with the goal of holding social media companies legally accountable for the harm caused to their users.
One of the firm’s founding attorneys, Matt Bergman, emphasizes the importance of educating parents about the dangers that social media poses to children’s physical and mental well-being. He also highlights the legal challenges that these tech giants use to avoid responsibility for the damage they cause.
Throughout the film, major platforms such as Snapchat, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook are scrutinized. Viewers see how the algorithms and features designed to keep users engaged can lead to harmful outcomes, including crime and even death. The film includes stories of other teens who have been affected by similar issues.
Englyn Roberts’ story is told alongside that of Alexander Neville, a 14-year-old who overdosed on a fentanyl-laced pill purchased through Snapchat. Another case involves Jordan DeMay, a 16-year-old who died by suicide after falling victim to a "sextortion scam." These stories are part of a larger narrative showing how social media can become a dangerous space for young users.
The documentary follows grieving families as they seek justice and change. With the support of dedicated attorneys like Bergman, Glenn Draper, and Laura Marquez-Garrett, they demonstrate that holding these companies accountable is not only possible but necessary.
However, the battle against these powerful corporations is often likened to a "David-and-Goliath" scenario. Despite the challenges, the film highlights the strength of the victims' voices, which continue to demand action.
Another tragic story featured in the film is that of Mason Edens, a teenager who took his own life after being drawn into a cycle of negative content on TikTok. His search history included words like "Positive Affirmations," which he used before taking his life. Instead of finding uplifting content, he was exposed to material that glorified self-harm, according to attorney Marquez-Garrett.
The film also shows the tireless work of the attorneys at the Social Media Victims Law Center, who handle an increasing number of cases each day. Bergman notes that this issue remains urgent even after the filming has ended.
A central theme of the documentary is that social media companies are aware of the harm their platforms cause. In some cases, they even enable it through features like disappearing messages. This lack of accountability has led to preventable deaths among teenagers.
Attorney Marquez-Garrett points out that these platforms no longer let users choose what they see. Instead, they curate content to maximize engagement, often at the expense of user well-being. She shares stories of children under 16 who have seen live suicides and murders on social media platforms.
Bergman emphasizes that these companies know exactly what they are doing. “They're not showing our kids what they want to see. They're showing you what they can't look away from,” he says.
The documentary serves as a powerful reminder of the dangers of unchecked social media. Whether you are a parent or a user yourself, understanding these risks could be life-saving. It highlights the resilience of those fighting for change and the importance of holding these companies responsible.
As one of the film’s most impactful lines states, “When the product design kills people, and they know it kills people, they ought to be held accountable.” This message resonates throughout the film, urging viewers to pay attention and take action.
For more information about the Social Media Victims Law Center and its ongoing efforts, visit their website. Details about the upcoming screening at the JFK Library are also available.
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