A social media addiction lawsuit has entered a critical stage in California, as a woman testified that Meta’s Instagram and Google’s YouTube harmed her mental health during childhood.
The plaintiff, identified in court as Kaley G.M., told a Los Angeles court that she began using YouTube at age six and Instagram at age nine. She claims prolonged exposure to the platforms contributed to depression, body dysmorphia, and other mental health challenges.
Her legal team argues that Meta and YouTube designed their platforms to keep young users engaged. According to the lawsuit, the companies prioritised profit despite concerns that excessive use could negatively affect children.
The social media addiction lawsuit initially examined what the companies knew about the psychological impact of their products on children. It is now focused on the plaintiff’s personal experiences and the alleged harm she suffered.
Features such as autoplay videos and endless scrolling are central to the case. Lawyers claim these tools were intended to maximise screen time, even after internal research suggested potential risks.
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In addition, the lawsuit highlights “like” buttons and beauty filters. The plaintiff’s team argues that these features intensified teenagers’ desire for validation and distorted self-image.
Meta and Google have not been found liable, and the case remains under judicial review. The outcome could influence ongoing debates about tech platform responsibility and youth mental health.
