Meta and YouTube Found Liable in Social Media Addiction Case, Ordered to Pay $3 Million in Damages

March 26, Kathmandu — A jury in California, USA, has found social media platforms Meta and YouTube guilty of intentionally fostering addiction in a young woman, causing damage to her mental health.

Meta and YouTube were ruled to have failed in warning users about the risks of their platforms, resulting in serious harm to the user.

According to CNN, the case was filed by a 20-year-old woman from California, referred to by the pseudonym ‘Kelly,’ and her mother. They had sued Meta, YouTube, TikTok, and Snap Inc. The lawsuit alleged that these companies attracted Kelly from childhood, fostering an addiction that led to anxiety, body dissatisfaction, and suicidal thoughts. Prior to the trial, reports indicate that TikTok and Snap reached settlements in the case.

The jury ordered Meta and YouTube to pay a combined total of $3 million in damages — $2.1 million from Meta and $900,000 from YouTube. The jury assigned 70 percent of the responsibility to Meta and 30 percent to YouTube, according to CNN.

After a seven-week trial and more than eight days of deliberation, the jury reached its verdict. In court, Kelly testified that her social media addiction still affects her daily life; she feels compelled to secretly use her phone even during work hours and spends hours editing her appearance using filters.

Preparation for Appeal

Both Meta and YouTube have expressed disagreement with the ruling and announced their intention to appeal. Meta argued that adolescent mental health is a complex issue that cannot be attributed to a single app. YouTube stated that it is a responsibly designed platform.

CNN notes that this is the first time among approximately 1,500 similar lawsuits filed against social media companies that a case has gone to a full trial. The verdict is expected to guide the outcomes of future cases. Continued losses in such litigation could force these companies to pay billions in damages and implement significant platform reforms.

Previously, a jury in New Mexico also found Meta liable for failing to protect children from sexual predators.

Experts suggest this decision may represent a ‘turning point’ in the history of social media. Parents and advocacy groups have long called for stricter regulations to ensure children’s safety. Following this ruling, pressure is expected to increase on the U.S. Congress to enact stronger child protection laws.