This Trial Could Hold Big Tech Accountable for Kids’ Social Media Addition

Meta and Google, two of the most powerful companies in history, have long rejected claims their social media platforms are inherently dangerous for kids. On Monday, they are beginning a landmark trial over allegations that Meta’s Instagram and Google’s YouTube were intentionally designed to get young users hopelessly hooked despite known perils.

The so-called “bellwether” case is the first to reach trial among thousands of similar lawsuits from individual plaintiffs, school districts, and state officials. It was filed in July 2023 by a now 20-year-old California woman, identified by the initials K.G.M., who says she became desperately addicted to social media as a child, got flooded with disturbing material she did not seek, and subsequently experienced body dysmorphia, anxiety, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts.