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Chico Today
By the People, for the People
Woman testifies about childhood social media addiction in landmark trial
20-year-old Kaley says she was on social media 'all day long' as a child, leading to depression and suicidal thoughts.
Published on Feb. 27, 2026
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A 20-year-old woman is suing social media companies Meta and YouTube, claiming their platforms addicted her to technology and exacerbated her mental health issues as a child. Kaley, who began using YouTube at age 6 and Instagram at 9, testified that the features of the platforms, including notifications and filters, gave her a 'rush' and she was on social media 'all day long'. The case is considered a bellwether trial that could impact thousands of similar lawsuits against tech giants.
Why it matters
This case highlights growing concerns about the impact of social media on children's mental health and well-being. If successful, it could set a precedent for holding tech companies accountable for the addictive and harmful effects of their platforms on young users.
The details
Kaley, who works as a personal shopper at Walmart, says she set up multiple accounts on Instagram and YouTube as a child so she could like and comment on her own posts to appear more popular. She testified that the notifications from the platforms gave her a 'rush' and she would check them during school. Kaley also said she used filters on Instagram that changed her appearance, and that she did not experience body dysmorphia before using social media. Meta's lawyers argued that Kaley faced significant challenges in her home life before using social media, and highlighted contradictions between her testimony and a previous deposition.
- Kaley started using YouTube at age 6.
- Kaley started using Instagram at age 9.
- Kaley was in 6th grade when she was self-harming and her mother was physically and emotionally abusive.
The players
Kaley
A 20-year-old woman suing social media companies Meta and YouTube, claiming their platforms addicted her to technology and exacerbated her mental health issues as a child.
Meta
One of the remaining defendants in the case, along with YouTube. Meta has argued that Kaley faced significant challenges in her home life before using social media.
YouTube
One of the remaining defendants in the case, along with Meta.
Mark Lanier
Kaley's attorney.
Victoria Burke
A former therapist who worked with Kaley in 2019 and testified that her social media use and sense of self were 'closely related'.
What they’re saying
“Anytime I tried to set limits for myself, it wouldn't work and I just couldn't get off.”
— Kaley
“I look so fat in this shirt.”
— Young Kaley
“Her social media and her sense of self 'were closely related,' adding that what was happening on the platforms could 'make or break her mood'.”
— Victoria Burke, Former therapist
What’s next
The case is expected to continue for several weeks, and the outcome the jury reaches could shape the outcome of a slew of similar lawsuits against social media companies. Meta is also facing a separate trial in New Mexico.
The takeaway
This case highlights the growing concerns about the impact of social media on children's mental health, and the potential for holding tech companies accountable for the addictive and harmful effects of their platforms on young users.
