A California trial over Instagram and YouTube’s addictive design began Monday in Los Angeles, testing whether Big Tech can be held liable for harming young users. The lawsuit was filed by 20-year-old K.G.M., who claims the platforms fueled her depression and suicidal thoughts. Meta Platforms and Google, which own Instagram and YouTube respectively, are the defendants.
K.G.M. alleges that the apps’ attention-grabbing features got her addicted at a young age and contributed to her mental health struggles. Her lawyers say the companies were negligent, failed to warn users, and were a substantial factor in her injuries. The jury will consider damages for pain and suffering, and possibly punitive damages.
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Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg is expected to testify, and the trial could continue into March. TikTok and Snap settled with K.G.M. before the trial began. Meta and Google plan to defend themselves by citing other factors in her life, showing their work on youth safety, and distancing themselves from harmful user content.
The case could set a precedent in U.S. law, where internet companies are largely shielded from liability for material posted by users. A verdict against the companies could pave the way for thousands of similar lawsuits in California and federal courts. Over 2,300 related cases are already pending in the U.S., including claims by parents, schools, and state attorneys general.
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The trial reflects a global backlash against social media over children’s mental health. Australia and Spain have restricted social media access for users under 16, and other countries are considering similar measures. In New Mexico, a related case against Meta for exposing teens to sexual exploitation is also beginning this week.