Jury finds Meta and YouTube negligent in landmark social media addiction trial

A Los Angeles jury found Meta and YouTube negligent in a groundbreaking social media addiction case, awarding $3 million to a California woman identified as K.G.M. The plaintiff argued that the companies were responsible for her social media addiction, which began when she started using YouTube at age six and Instagram around age nine. TikTok and Snap had previously settled in the case. The verdict represents a rare instance where social media companies have been held liable for harms users experience on their platforms. The case challenged the typical Section 230 protections by arguing that social media should be treated as a product subject to product liability standards rather than as platforms shielded from liability for design choices. The plaintiff claimed her social media addiction led to depression, anxiety, and body dysmorphia. Internal company documents presented during the trial allegedly revealed that tech executives knew their platforms were harming children but prioritized profits over safety. The case comes one day after a separate New Mexico jury ordered Meta to pay $375 million over harms to young users. Legal experts suggest the verdict could trigger more lawsuits against social media companies and potentially influence online safety legislation. Meta stated they "respectfully disagree with the verdict and are evaluating legal options." The plaintiffs' counsel said the verdict sends a message that "no company is above accountability when it comes to our children."

Jury finds Meta and YouTube negligent in landmark social media addiction trial

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