Social media giants, including Meta, TikTok, and YouTube, are facing a landmark trial in Los Angeles over allegations that their platforms are designed to be addictive and harm young users’ mental health. The trial, which is expected to last six to eight weeks, will determine whether these companies can be held liable for the alleged harm caused by their products. The plaintiff, a 19-year-old woman identified as K.G.M., claims that she became addicted to social media at a young age, leading to depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts.
The lawsuit argues that the companies prioritized profits over user safety, using features like infinite scroll and autoplay videos to keep users engaged. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg is expected to testify, and the outcome of the trial could set a precedent for thousands of similar lawsuits nationwide.
TikTok and Snapchat have already settled with the plaintiff, while Meta and YouTube will face the jury. The tech companies argue that they are shielded by Section 230 of the US Communications Decency Act, which protects them from liability for user-generated content. However, the plaintiff’s lawyers claim that the companies’ design choices, rather than user content, are the focus of the lawsuit.
