A Los Angeles jury has ruled that Meta and Google are liable in a closely watched case over social media addiction among young users, marking one of the first major verdicts of its kind.
The decision comes amid growing scrutiny of platforms like Instagram and YouTube, with concerns over how their design affects younger audiences. The case is seen as a potential precedent for future lawsuits against tech companies.
Jurors awarded $3 million to a 20-year-old woman, identified as K.G.M., who said prolonged use of the platforms during childhood contributed to depression and suicidal thoughts.
The jury found Meta responsible for 70% of the damages, with Google covering the rest, following weeks of testimony and over 40 hours of deliberation. They also concluded that both companies acted with “malice, oppression, or fraud,” opening the door for additional punitive damages to be determined later.
The lawsuit argued that key features like infinite scrolling, autoplay, and constant notifications were intentionally designed to encourage addictive behavior, keeping young users engaged for extended periods.
Both companies denied the claims, pointing to safety measures and parental controls, with Meta stating it disagrees with the verdict and is reviewing its legal options.