Meta and YouTube found liable in social media addiction trial

A Los Angeles jury found Meta and YouTube negligent and failing to warn users in a lawsuit brought by a now-20-year-old who said social media harmed her mental health; the jury awarded $3 million in compensatory damages and a punitive damages phase is pending.

A California jury found Meta and YouTube liable for negligence and for failing to warn users of risks on their platforms in a lawsuit alleging harm to a young woman's mental health. The case was tried in Los Angeles Superior Court over seven weeks, and the jury deliberated for more than eight days before issuing its decision. The plaintiff, described in filings as a now-20-year-old, said her social media use beginning in childhood contributed to anxiety and body image issues. Meta said it respectfully disagrees with the verdict and is evaluating its legal options; Google had not provided a comment in the report. Key facts: - A Los Angeles jury found Meta and YouTube negligent and failing to warn users after a seven-week trial and more than eight days of deliberation. - The jury awarded $3 million in compensatory damages to the plaintiff, who said social media use harmed her mental health. - Snap and TikTok settled before the trial began; the jury's finding leaves open a separate punitive damages phase for Meta and YouTube. - Meta stated it disagrees with the verdict and is evaluating legal options; news outlets reported that Google had not yet commented. Summary: The verdict holds Meta and YouTube legally responsible in this individual lawsuit and includes a $3 million compensatory award. The case will proceed to a punitive damages phase and the companies have disputed the claims while reviewing their options. Some parties have said the ruling could be referenced in other pending lawsuits, and the broader legal effects are undetermined at this time.