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10-02-2026
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Social Media Trial Examines Addiction Claims

Date: 10-02-2026
Sources: bbc.com: 1 | news.sky.com: 1 | straitstimes.com: 1
Image for cluster 0
Image Prompt:

Young plaintiff K.G.M. testifying in a Los Angeles courtroom about her experiences with social media, documentary-style photography, soft natural light pouring through courtroom windows, with a hint of solemnity, captured with a 50mm lens, conveying a sense of gravity and concern.

Summary

A landmark trial in Los Angeles examines whether social media companies, including Meta and YouTube, designed addictive platforms that harmed young people's mental health. The plaintiffs claim features like 'infinite scrolling' rewired kids' thinking and behavior, while the companies argue that other factors caused the harm.

Key Points

  • The trial involves Meta, Google, TikTok, and Snap, and could change how social media companies operate.
  • The plaintiff, K.G.M., alleges that Instagram and YouTube are 'addiction machines' that caused her mental health issues.
  • The companies' lawyers argue that K.G.M.'s issues stem from other life factors, not their negligence.

Articles in this Cluster

Instagram and YouTube owners built 'addiction machines', trial told

10-02-2026

A landmark trial in California has begun, examining the mental health effects of Instagram and YouTube on children. The plaintiff, K.G.M., alleges that the social media platforms are 'addiction machines' that have caused her mental health issues. Lawyers for Meta and YouTube argue that K.G.M.'s addiction stems from other issues in her life, not their negligence. The trial is expected to last six weeks and may have significant implications for similar lawsuits across the US.
Entities: Instagram, YouTube, Meta, Google, Mark Zuckerberg • Tone: neutral • Sentiment: negative • Intent: inform

Social media goes on trial in LA - here's what you need to know | Science, Climate & Tech News | Sky News

10-02-2026

A landmark trial is underway in Los Angeles, where social media companies Meta, Google, TikTok, and Snap are being sued for allegedly designing addictive platforms that harm young people's mental health. The plaintiffs claim that the companies' features, such as 'infinite scrolling,' have 'rewired how our kids think, feel, and behave.' The trial will determine whether the companies were negligent in creating their products and whether this negligence led to significant harm to a young person. The outcome could change the way social media companies operate and potentially lead to changes in their designs.
Entities: Meta, Google, TikTok, Snap, Instagram • Tone: neutral • Sentiment: negative • Intent: inform

Meta and YouTube created ‘digital casinos,’ lawyers argue in landmark trial | The Straits Times

10-02-2026

A landmark trial has begun in Los Angeles, California, in which a 20-year-old woman, K.G.M., has accused Meta and YouTube of designing their platforms to be addictive, leading to personal injury and other harm. The plaintiff's lawyers argue that features like endless swiping and algorithmic recommendations are comparable to a 'digital casino,' and that executives knew of the technology's risks. Meta's lawyers counter that K.G.M.'s mental health issues were caused by familial abuse and turmoil, not social media. The trial is one of many against social media companies, including Snap and TikTok, and could have significant implications for the industry.
Entities: Meta, YouTube, Instagram, K.G.M., Mark Lanier • Tone: neutral • Sentiment: negative • Intent: inform