Meta, Google held liable in first trial over social media addiction claims

A Los Angeles jury has ordered Meta Platforms Inc. and Alphabet Inc.’s Google to pay damages to a 20-year-old woman who argued that her addiction to social media contributed to serious mental health struggles, as per Bloomberg.

It's a landmark decision that could expose the companies to significant legal risk as they confront thousands of similar lawsuits.

The verdict, delivered Wednesday, March 25, after nine days of jury deliberations, highlights the complexity of determining how much responsibility social media platforms bear for psychological distress among young users. At the same time, it underscores the potential for multibillion-dollar liability tied to claims that platforms such as Instagram and YouTube are deliberately engineered to foster addiction among minors without sufficient regard for their well-being.

Two additional bellwether cases are scheduled to go to trial in California state court later this year. Legal analysts suggest that further losses for the companies could push them toward settlement talks, potentially resulting in a sweeping agreement comparable to historic settlements that reshaped the tobacco and opioid industries.

The broader wave of lawsuits has been brought by children, adolescents and young adults—often through parents or other family members—alleging psychological harm, physical impairment, and, in some cases, death by suicide.

“It’s clear that juries are concerned,” said Eric Goldman, associate dean for research at Santa Clara University School of Law, who has studied internet law for more than three decades. He added that juries are “willing to attach large damage awards.”

In the first case of its kind to reach trial, the 12-member jury concluded that Meta and Google were negligent in the design and operation of their platforms and failed to adequately warn users that their products could pose risks to minors. In civil proceedings, verdicts do not always require unanimity; in this case, jurors voted 10-2 to hold both companies liable.

The jury awarded $4.2 million against Meta and $1.8 million against Google to the plaintiff, Kaley G.M. Half of each award is designated as compensatory damages—covering losses such as therapy costs—while the remaining half is punitive, intended to penalize the companies and deter similar conduct.

During closing arguments, Kaley’s lawyer, Mark Lanier, urged jurors to take into account the immense financial resources of the companies, arguing that even $1 billion in punitive damages would represent only a minor financial impact.

Kaley said she began watching videos on YouTube at age six and started using Instagram at nine. She attributed a range of harms to her use of the platforms, including anxiety, depression and body dysmorphia. She was present in court when the verdict was read but showed no visible reaction.

Following the decision, both companies signaled their intention to challenge the outcome. A spokesperson for Meta said it is reviewing its legal options, while a Google spokesperson confirmed the company plans to file an appeal.

By Tamilla Hasanova