It has been a few weeks since the court battle between a young woman and tech giants started. Today, a jury in Los Angeles has delivered a major legal blow to Meta and Google, awarding $6 million (over ~RM23.5 million) in damages to the young woman who sued over childhood social media addiction.
To recap, the case centers on a 20-year-old plaintiff, identified as Kaley, who argued that platforms like Instagram and YouTube were intentionally designed to be addictive and contributed to her mental health struggles.
Jury Finds Platforms Intentionally Addictive
Jurors concluded that Meta and Google deliberately built addictive systems that harmed the plaintiff, determining that the companies acted with “malice, oppression, or fraud". The total award includes $3 million in compensatory damages and $3 million in punitive damages. Meta is expected to pay 70% of the damages, with Google covering the remaining 30%. Both companies have said they will appeal the decision.
Meta disputed the outcome, arguing that teen mental health is complex and cannot be attributed to a single platform. Google also rejected the claims, stating that YouTube is a responsibly built streaming platform rather than a social media service. Despite the pushback, the ruling is seen as a significant moment in the growing scrutiny of Big Tech’s impact on younger users.
Testimony Highlights Early Exposure and Mental Health Impact
During the trial, Kaley testified that she began using Instagram at age nine and YouTube at age six, with no effective age restrictions preventing access. She described how prolonged usage affected her daily life, including withdrawing from family interactions and spending extensive hours on social platforms. By the age of 10, she began experiencing anxiety and depression, later receiving professional diagnoses.
The case focused heavily on how platform design may contribute to addictive behaviour. Kaley’s legal team argued that features such as infinite scrolling and algorithm-driven content were intentionally built to maximise engagement, especially among younger users. They also claimed that internal company strategies targeted younger audiences due to their long-term value as users.
The plaintiff also highlighted the impact of social media on self-image. She testified to frequently using filters that altered her appearance, contributing to long-term issues with body image. She has since been diagnosed with Body dysmorphic disorder, a condition involving obsessive concerns over physical appearance.
Growing Legal and Regulatory Pressure
The verdict comes amid increasing global scrutiny of social media platforms. A separate jury ruling in New Mexico recently found Meta liable for exposing children to harmful content, adding to mounting legal challenges. Experts say these back-to-back decisions signal a potential turning point in public and legal attitudes toward social media companies.
Legal analysts suggest the ruling could influence hundreds of similar lawsuits currently progressing through US courts. With more cases expected to go to trial, the outcome may shape how platforms design their services, particularly for younger users.
As governments and regulators continue exploring restrictions such as age limits and usage controls, this case marks a pivotal moment in the debate over accountability in the digital age. Malaysia is also preparing to ban teens under 16 years old from owning a social media account, which is expected to be implemented in July 2026. Stay tuned for more trending tech news at TechNave.com.
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