From the onset of the information age, inexpensive access to information has provided many benefits, including educational and economic opportunities, instant awareness of global events, political transformation, and social connections. However, research around Social Media Platforms (known as SMPs) suggests that prolonged time spent online, particularly through SMPs, may be associated with a variety of negative consequences. Evidence also suggests that the design and intended function of the algorithms utilized by SMPs may play a significant and direct role in causing and/or exacerbating harms, and are calculated to induce users to engage with the platform as much as possible.
The Nevada Attorney General has retained the use of outside counsel on a contingent fee basis to investigate, evaluate and assist in litigation to hold SMPs accountable for the impacts, risks, and harms that may be associated with SMPs on Nevada, its residents, and in particular Nevada's youth.