Claiming the website is designed to addict children, A.B.C. boy is suing the makers of a well-known online gaming platform.
The proposed class action lawsuit represents a 12-year-old boy, identified only as DJ due to his age.
According to the lawsuit, the plaintiff started playing Roblox at age five or six. He began showing signs of addiction shortly afterward.
The lawsuit alleges the site uses tactics that prompt users to spend its online currency to create their own content. This, it claims, leads to impulsive spending, addictive behavior, and an increased risk of anxiety, depression, and other symptoms.
The notice of claim alleges that the defendants designed Roblox to maximize user engagement, playtime, and in-game spending.
It also alleges that the defendants did so without taking sufficient steps to limit the impact on users arising from the harmful design elements.
The World Health Organization has classified video game addiction as a disease since 2018.
Jesse Miller, a social media expert from mediatedreality.com, told Global News that many people have been negatively affected by gambling. He added that these games share similar traits. Miller also said that parents need to take the lead in addressing this.
He stated that not just through their court systems, but before their kids have actually signed up to these experiences, and ask what is too much, what are their vales to their family, and where should their concerns be as they move forward.
There have been numerous lawsuits alleging addictive in-game play and allegations of inadequate protection against child predators.
Lawyers are filing the civil claim in B.C. as a class action, potentially allowing more plaintiffs to join.
The class action still needs to be certified.
Roblox did not respond to requests for information.
