Big Tech on Trial: Social Media Addiction Claims Face U.S. Jury

Picture Credit: The Mirror

A landmark trial in California is testing whether major technology platforms can be held legally responsible for how their products affect children’s mental health. Meta Platforms and Google’s YouTube are facing claims that their apps were deliberately designed to be addictive, drawing young users into prolonged engagement despite known risks. The case is being closely watched, as its outcome could reshape how courts assess responsibility for harm linked to digital platform design.

At the centre of the lawsuit is a 20-year-old woman, identified in court as Kaley G.M., who alleges that exposure to Facebook, Instagram and YouTube from a young age worsened her depression and contributed to suicidal thoughts. Her legal team argues that internal company documents show the platforms intentionally engineered features to exploit children’s developing brains, prioritising engagement and profit over user wellbeing.

Meta and Google strongly deny the allegations. Meta’s lawyers contend that Kaley’s mental health struggles stemmed from difficult personal circumstances, including family conflict and early childhood trauma, rather than social media use alone. Both companies also plan to highlight their investments in youth safety tools and argue that they cannot be blamed for harmful content uploaded by users.

The trial’s legal focus, however, is narrower than content moderation. Jurors have been instructed that the companies cannot be held liable for third-party posts, but may be judged on whether the design and operation of their platforms themselves caused harm. A verdict against the tech giants could weaken long standing legal protections that have shielded internet companies from liability, potentially opening the door to thousands of similar claims already filed across the United States.

Beyond this single case, the lawsuit reflects a growing global backlash against social media platforms and their impact on young people. Governments from Australia to Europe are tightening regulations or restricting access for minors, while courts increasingly question whether engagement driven design crosses an ethical and legal line. As the trial unfolds, it may mark a turning point in how responsibility is assigned in the digital age.

Proudly brought to you by,