A major trial in California is examining claims that social media platforms Instagram and YouTube were designed to be addictive for young users, with lawyers accusing the companies of knowingly harming children’s mental health. The case, being heard in Los Angeles Superior Court, centers on a plaintiff identified as K.G.M., who alleges her mental health struggles were worsened by compulsive social media use while she was a minor.
The plaintiff’s legal team argued that the platforms were intentionally engineered to keep children engaged and failed to adequately warn users of potential risks. They cited internal communications and design features aimed at increasing user time spent on the platforms.
Lawyers for Meta and YouTube rejected the claims, saying the plaintiff’s challenges stemmed from personal and family circumstances rather than the platforms themselves. They told the court that the companies provide tools and safeguards for young users and cannot be held responsible for how individuals use their services.
The six-week trial is expected to feature testimony from experts, company executives, former employees and families affected by alleged social media harms. Its outcome could influence similar lawsuits across the United States and shape future regulations around youth safety, platform design and corporate responsibility in the social media industry.
