More than a dozen U.S. states and Washington D.C. have filed a series of lawsuits against TikTok, accusing the social media platform of harming the mental health of young users. Attorneys general from diverse states, including New York, California, and Texas, claim that TikTok's addictive features and its use of virtual currency exploit and prey on children. They argue that the platform contributes to a youth mental health crisis by promoting harmful content and fostering addictive behavior, likening its impact to that of 'digital nicotine'. As these legal challenges escalate, TikTok's future in the U.S. remains uncertain, as the scrutiny on its practices intensifies amid growing concerns over the welfare of younger audiences.