Landmark Social Media Addiction Trial Begins in Los Angeles

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The world's biggest social media companies, including Meta and Google's YouTube, are facing several landmark trials this year that seek to hold them responsible for harms to children who use their platforms. Opening arguments for the first trial, in Los Angeles County Superior Court, begin this week. At the core of the case is a 19-year-old plaintiff who claims her use of social media from an early age addicted her to the technology and exacerbated depression and suicidal thoughts.

Why it matters

This case could determine how thousands of other, similar lawsuits against social media companies will play out. If the plaintiffs are successful in arguing the companies deliberately designed their platforms to be addictive for children, it could sidestep the companies' First Amendment shield and Section 230 protections.

The details

The lawsuit claims the companies 'deliberately embedded in their products an array of design features aimed at maximizing youth engagement to drive advertising revenue.' Executives, including Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, are expected to testify at the trial, which will last six to eight weeks. The tech companies dispute the claims, citing safeguards they have added and arguing they are not liable for content posted by third parties.

• Opening arguments for the trial begin this week in Los Angeles County Superior Court.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The case will be the first in a slew of cases beginning this year that seek to hold social media companies responsible for harming children's mental well-being. A federal bellwether trial beginning in June in Oakland, California, will be the first to represent school districts that have sued social media platforms over harms to children.