Protesters from the group Mad Youth Organise gathered outside Meta UK's headquarters to press for the company to pay a so-called 'misery tax' aimed at funding mental health care gaps in the UK. They argue that social media companies, particularly Meta, play a significant role in exacerbating youth mental health issues, and that their vast wealth could be redirected to support necessary mental health services.

During the demonstration, protesters distributed leaflets and displayed a billboard criticizing Meta for its impact on mental health among young people. The campaigners are calling not just for financial contributions from the company, but also for governmental reforms, including competition laws that could lead to the establishment of alternative social media platforms that are publicly owned, thereby reducing the dominance of companies like Meta in the social media landscape.

The protest highlights the broader conversation surrounding the responsibility of tech companies in addressing social issues, especially those related to mental health. As this grassroots movement grows, it reflects a growing sentiment among young people and mental health advocates that action must be taken to mitigate the detrimental effects of social media on mental well-being, and that corporations must bear the responsibility for their role in this crisis.