Landmark California Trial Tests Whether Social Media Apps Harm Children’s Mental Health

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Meta, TikTok, and YouTube are facing a landmark trial in a California State Court over allegations that their social media apps contribute to addiction and mental health harm among children. Jury selection began Tuesday in a Los Angeles courtroom, marking the first time such claims will be tested before a jury. The case examines whether platform design choices worsened the youth mental health crisis.

Claims Focus on Addictive Design Features

The lawsuits accuse major platforms of deliberately engineering features such as infinite scroll, auto-play videos, frequent notifications, and recommendation algorithms to keep young users engaged. 

Plaintiffs argue these tools made the apps difficult for children to put down, contributing to depression, anxiety, eating disorders, self-harm, and suicide. The lawsuit includes more than 1000 individual plaintiffs together with school districts and state attorneys general from across the country.

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Testimony and Internal Records Under Scrutiny

The trial will show internal operations of major technology companies according to its anticipated results. Jurors will review thousands of internal documents and company research on children and expert testimony. 

The teenage plaintiff, identified as K.G.M., claims excessive social media use harmed her mental health. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Instagram head Adam Mosseri are scheduled to testify.

Tech Companies Push Back on Allegations

The companies deny the claims. Meta said the lawsuits “misportray our company and the work we do every day to provide young people with safe, valuable experiences online.” 

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Google spokesperson José Castañeda said YouTube’s allegations “are simply not true,” citing age-appropriate experiences and strong parental controls. TikTok declined to comment, while Snap settled separately.

Legal Stakes and Broader Implications

Legal experts say the case could reshape how online platforms operate. Eric Goldman of Santa Clara University warned that the claims pose “an existential threat” to social media companies. 
He added, “The internet is on trial in these cases,” noting that a plaintiff victory could force sweeping design changes across social media apps.

Conclusion: Why the Trial Matters Now

This trial presents its first case evidence about social media addiction, which should be evaluated by a jury. The case outcome will create international effects because it will determine settlement procedures and platform design, and child safety regulations, which will apply worldwide. The verdict will establish new standards for digital responsibility because international attention to social media addiction in children continues to increase.

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