California Trial Explores Big Tech Liability for Social Media Addiction

A landmark trial has begun in Los Angeles, where a 20-year-old plaintiff, identified as K.G.M., is suing Meta (Instagram) and Google (YouTube), alleging their platforms’ design intentionally fostered addictive use starting in childhood and contributed to mental health issues. She claims the companies failed to warn users and seeks damages for emotional harm. Meta and Google argue other life factors explain her struggles. Opening statements in the California state court case will test whether social media firms can be held liable for addictive design features, potentially weakening longstanding liability protections under U.S. law.