A jury in Los Angeles has ruled against Meta and Google in a lawsuit claiming that their platforms played a role in fostering social media addiction and harming a young user. The case was filed by a 20-year-old woman who contended that her mental health suffered during childhood due to prolonged exposure to platforms like Instagram and YouTube. The jury determined that the companies intentionally designed features that encouraged addictive behavior.
The jury awarded a total of $6 million in damages, comprising compensatory and punitive amounts, after finding that the companies had exhibited “malice, oppression, or fraud.” Meta was deemed 70 percent liable, with Google bearing the remaining responsibility. Both companies expressed disagreement with the verdict and announced intentions to appeal.
Throughout the trial, the plaintiff revealed that she started using YouTube at the age of 6 and Instagram at 9, with no age restrictions enforced. She spoke of spending extensive time on the platforms and subsequently grappling with anxiety, depression, and body image concerns, leading to a diagnosis of body dysmorphia by a therapist.
Her legal team contended that design elements like continuous scrolling and algorithm-driven content fostered compulsive usage. They referenced expert testimonies and former Meta executives’ statements indicating a deliberate focus on attracting younger users for platform expansion.
The ruling is anticipated to have an impact on similar ongoing cases in U.S. courts. It comes after a separate decision in New Mexico that held Meta accountable for child safety issues on its platforms. Campaigners and parents’ groups hailed the verdict as a potential milestone in holding tech firms responsible, with some suggesting it could spur calls for tighter regulations on social media for young users.
Various governments worldwide are already considering new regulations. Australia has implemented measures to restrict children’s social media usage, while the UK is exploring age-related access limitations for users under 16. Indonesia also intends to follow Australia’s lead in setting age restrictions for social media.
