Addiction to Social Media: US Court Rules Meta and YouTube Liable

A Los Angeles court has delivered a landmark ruling in favor of a young woman who filed a lawsuit against Meta and YouTube, claiming addiction to social media since childhood. The jury concluded that Meta and Google knowingly created platforms designed to be addictive, which adversely impacted the 20-year-old woman’s mental health.

Meta operates Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp, while Google runs YouTube. The court ordered these companies to pay the woman, Kelly, $6 million in damages. This decision is expected to have repercussions for similar lawsuits pending in courts across the United States.

Both Meta and Google expressed disagreement with the ruling and are preparing to appeal. Meta stated that adolescent mental health is a complex issue that cannot be attributed solely to a single app. A Google spokesperson emphasized, “YouTube has been misunderstood in this case as it is a streaming platform designed with responsibility, not a social media site.”

The court issued an interim order for Kelly to receive $3 million as compensation and an additional $3 million as punitive damages, concluding that the companies engaged in “malicious, oppressive, or fraudulent conduct” through their platforms. Meta was assigned 70 percent of the liability, while Google was responsible for 30 percent. Outside the court, parents expressed relief and gratitude, citing the harm social media had caused their families.

Following the verdict, parents like Amy Nevills celebrated and shared their joy with fellow supporters. Previously, a New Mexico court found Meta liable for exposing children to risks related to sexual content and abuse. Prolox commented, “Negative sentiments toward social media have been a growing trend for years, and this marks a peak in that trajectory.”