In a heartbreaking turn of events, the families of the victims of the Uvalde school shooting have filed a lawsuit against Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, and Activision Blizzard, the gaming giant behind the popular Call of Duty franchise. The lawsuit alleges that these social media platforms and video games played a role in influencing the shooter’s actions.

The central claim of the lawsuit revolves around the exposure to violence that the shooter allegedly experienced through these platforms. The families argue that the video game Call of Duty, known for its realistic portrayal of warfare, along with the ability to advertise firearms directly to minors on Instagram, conditioned the shooter to violence. Furthermore, the lawsuit accuses Meta of implementing a relaxed policy towards gun sellers on Instagram, allowing them to bypass the platform’s regulations compared to stricter enforcement on other users.

This lawsuit marks a significant development in the ongoing debate about the influence of social media and video games on violence. It remains to be seen how the courts will rule on this case, but it is sure to spark further discussions about the responsibility of these powerful tech companies in shaping online experiences, especially for young and impressionable users.