A jury in Los Angeles has found Meta and YouTube liable for negligence in a case involving social media addiction. The trial, which began in late January, centered on a plaintiff identified as K.G.M. (Kaley), who claimed that her addiction to platforms like Instagram and YouTube during childhood led to significant mental health issues, including body dysmorphia, depression, and suicidal thoughts.
After deliberations, the jury ruled that the negligence of Meta and YouTube was a "substantial factor" in causing these harms. As a result, compensatory damages were awarded, with Meta responsible for 70% of the $3 million total and YouTube covering 30%. The next phase of the trial will address punitive damages.
Legal representatives for the plaintiff expressed satisfaction with the verdict, describing it as a historic moment for individuals affected by social media. Conversely, spokespersons for Meta and YouTube have indicated their disagreement with the ruling and signaled intentions to appeal. They maintain that their platforms prioritize user safety and mental health, and claim that K.G.M.'s issues stemmed from other life circumstances rather than app design.
This case is part of a broader legal landscape, drawing comparisons to the tobacco industry litigation of the 1990s. Other ongoing trials involve similar allegations against social media companies regarding the mental health impacts of their platforms, including a separate case in New Mexico where Meta was found liable for violating unfair practices related to child safety.
The Los Angeles trial featured testimonies from several high-ranking executives, including Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Instagram head Adam Mosseri, both of whom defended their platforms against claims of fostering addiction. The outcome of this case may influence future litigation related to social media's impact on mental health.