A New Hampshire court has decided that TikTok must face a lawsuit accusing it of exploiting children through its design features. The state claims that TikTok intentionally created an addictive platform aimed at young users, which keeps them engaged for longer periods and increases their exposure to advertisements and purchases on its e-commerce site, TikTok Shop.

The ruling came after TikTok attempted to dismiss the case, but the judge found the state's allegations specific enough to proceed. New Hampshire's Attorney General John Formella stated that this decision is a significant step toward holding TikTok accountable for practices that could endanger children.

In response, a spokesperson for TikTok described the lawsuit as based on outdated claims and emphasized their commitment to safety features, including screen time limits for teen accounts and tools for parents to monitor usage. This legal challenge reflects a broader trend where attorneys general are focusing on tech companies' design elements rather than user-generated content when addressing child safety concerns.

This lawsuit is part of ongoing scrutiny of social media platforms regarding their impact on children's mental health and safety. Other companies have faced similar lawsuits over alleged harmful design practices. Meanwhile, TikTok's future in the U.S. remains uncertain due to ongoing regulatory pressures and potential divestment requirements from its parent company, ByteDance.

Original article (tiktok) (bytedance)

This article doesn't give you a clear plan or steps to take, so it's not very helpful for doing something right away. It's more like a story about a problem, and it doesn't teach you a lot of new things or give you tools to fix the problem yourself. While it talks about a lawsuit and how it might help keep kids safe, it doesn't really show how it will change things for you or your family. It's more about what the government and companies are doing, and it doesn't give you any special advice or resources to use. It's like a report, but it doesn't make you feel better or give you a clear way to make things better for yourself. It's not trying to trick you or make you click on ads, but it might make you feel worried without giving you a good way to solve the problem.

"The ruling came after TikTok attempted to dismiss the case, but the judge found the state's allegations specific enough to proceed."

This sentence uses passive voice to hide who is taking action. It makes it seem like the decision to proceed was made by an unknown force, when in reality, it was the judge who made the ruling. This passive construction downplays the judge's role and makes the process seem less intentional.

The text evokes a range of emotions, primarily centered around concern and a sense of urgency regarding the potential harm caused by TikTok's alleged practices.

The emotion of concern is evident throughout the text. The state's allegations highlight a serious issue: the intentional creation of an addictive platform targeting young users. This concern is further emphasized by the attorney general's statement, which suggests a need to hold TikTok accountable for practices that may endanger children. The use of words like "exploit," "addictive," and "endanger" underscores the gravity of the situation and evokes a strong sense of worry.

Fear is another emotion that surfaces, particularly in the context of children's safety and mental health. The lawsuit's focus on TikTok's design features, which allegedly keep young users engaged for longer periods, raises fears about the potential negative impacts on children's well-being. This fear is likely intended to capture the reader's attention and evoke a sense of responsibility to address the issue.

However, TikTok's response also evokes emotions. Their description of the lawsuit as based on "outdated claims" and their emphasis on safety features may be an attempt to downplay the seriousness of the allegations and evoke a sense of trust in their commitment to user safety. This response could be seen as a defensive strategy, aiming to reassure users and potentially shift the focus away from the lawsuit's concerns.

The writer's use of emotion is strategic and persuasive. By repeatedly emphasizing the potential harm to children, the text aims to create a strong emotional connection with the reader, evoking a sense of protectiveness and a desire to take action. The use of words like "exploit" and "endanger" is emotionally charged and helps to paint a picture of a serious threat.

Additionally, the writer's choice to include a quote from the attorney general adds a personal element, making the issue more relatable and tangible. This quote, along with the description of the lawsuit as a "significant step," helps to build a narrative of progress and a sense of hope that the issue is being addressed.

Overall, the text's emotional tone guides the reader's reaction by highlighting the seriousness of the allegations and the potential impact on children. It aims to evoke a sense of responsibility and urgency, encouraging readers to view the lawsuit as a necessary step towards protecting young users.