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Meta and Google Found Liable in Landmark Social Media Addiction Case in Los Angeles
Meta and Google have been found liable in a groundbreaking court case in Los Angeles, marking a major turning point in how social media companies are held accountable for the impact of their platforms on users—particularly young people.
A jury ruled that the tech giants, which own Instagram and YouTube respectively, were responsible for contributing to social media addiction in a case brought by a 20-year-old woman. She argued that she became hooked on the platforms from a young age, leading to serious mental health struggles including anxiety, depression, and body image issues.
The case is being described as a “landmark” moment for the tech industry, as it shifts the focus from harmful content to the design of the platforms themselves. Lawyers for the plaintiff argued that features such as infinite scrolling, autoplay videos, and algorithm-driven recommendations were deliberately created to keep users engaged for as long as possible—effectively engineering addictive behaviour.
In siding with the plaintiff, the jury found that these design choices played a direct role in her addiction. Reports suggest she has been awarded millions in damages, highlighting the seriousness of the ruling and the potential financial risks facing social media companies moving forward.
The lawsuit is also significant because it could open the floodgates for thousands of similar claims already being prepared across the United States. Parents, schools, and even state governments are increasingly taking legal action, arguing that social media platforms are harming children’s mental health on a large scale.
Notably, other companies including TikTok and Snapchat were originally part of the case but chose to settle before the trial began, avoiding a public verdict.
Both Meta and Google have strongly denied wrongdoing throughout the proceedings and are expected to challenge the verdict. The companies have argued that they provide tools for safe use and that responsibility ultimately lies with users and parents.
Legal experts say the outcome could have far-reaching consequences, potentially weakening long-standing protections that have shielded tech firms from liability. It may also accelerate new laws aimed at regulating how social media platforms are designed—especially when it comes to protecting children and teenagers.
With more trials already scheduled in California and beyond, this case could mark the beginning of a new era where Big Tech faces increasing scrutiny not just for what appears on their platforms, but for how those platforms are built to keep users coming back.
Attached is a news article regarding meta and goggle found liable for social media addiction
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c747x7gz249o
Article written and configured by Christopher Stanley
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