California Jury Finds Meta and YouTube Liable in Social Media Addiction Case

A California jury has delivered a landmark verdict against Meta (Facebook’s parent company) and YouTube, finding them liable for designing addictive products that harmed a young woman, identified as KGM. The jury awarded damages of $6 million, with Meta responsible for 70% and YouTube for the remaining 30%. The case marks the first of its kind to go to trial, highlighting concerns over the impact of social media on young people’s mental health. KGM testified that her use of YouTube and Instagram, beginning at ages six and nine respectively, led to depression, self-harm, and body dysmorphia. The jury’s decision was influenced by evidence suggesting features like endless scrolling and notifications were deliberately designed to be addictive. This verdict is part of a consolidated group of lawsuits against major social media platforms and serves as a ‘bellwether’ trial, intended to guide future rulings in similar cases. The lawsuit follows a series of settlements with other platforms like TikTok and Snap. The case underscores a growing legal and social debate about the responsibility of social media companies for the wellbeing of their users, particularly young people. Further trials are expected in the coming months. The ruling also comes shortly after Meta was found liable in a separate case involving the sharing of data with Cambridge Analytica.