Los Angeles: The issue of social media addiction has taken centre stage after a Los Angeles jury ruled that Meta and Google were responsible for designing platforms that negatively impacted a young user’s mental health. The case focused on platforms owned by the companies, including Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp and YouTube.
Jurors determined that both companies had intentionally created features that encouraged prolonged engagement, contributing to social media addiction. The plaintiff, a 20-year-old woman identified as Kaley, was awarded $6 million (£4.5 million) in damages. This included $3 million in compensatory damages and $3 million in punitive damages, after the jury concluded that the companies acted with malice, oppression or fraud.
Under the ruling, Meta has been assigned 70 percent of the financial liability, while Google is responsible for the remaining 30 percent. Both companies have stated disagreement with the verdict and have indicated plans to appeal.
The case has drawn widespread attention, with families of other affected individuals gathering outside the courthouse during the five-week trial. The outcome has been viewed as a major legal milestone, potentially influencing hundreds of similar lawsuits currently progressing through US courts.
The verdict has followed another decision in New Mexico, where Meta was found liable for exposing children to harmful content and unsafe interactions online. These consecutive rulings have highlighted growing scrutiny of social media companies and their impact on younger users.
Experts have suggested that the decisions reflect increasing public concern over social media addiction and its effects. Research has pointed to the role of algorithm-driven platforms in encouraging excessive usage, particularly among teenagers.
Governments in several countries have also been responding to these concerns. Australia has introduced restrictions aimed at limiting social media use among minors, while the United Kingdom has been exploring policies that could restrict access for users under 16.
The case has underscored ongoing debates about responsibility, platform design and user safety. It has also raised broader questions about how technology companies balance engagement with wellbeing in an increasingly digital world.
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