Jurors found Meta and Google — the parent company of YouTube — liable for building platforms deemed intentionally addictive and harmful to a young user’s mental health.
The 20-year-old plaintiff, identified as Kaley, was awarded three million dollars in damages, with Meta held responsible for 70 percent of the harm.
The case centered on allegations that features like infinite scrolling and algorithm-driven content encouraged excessive use from a young age.
Kaley testified she began using social media as early as six, later developing anxiety, depression, and body dysmorphia.
Both companies say they will appeal, arguing the case oversimplifies complex mental health issues.
The verdict comes amid growing scrutiny of social media’s impact on young users and could influence hundreds of similar lawsuits across the United States.
