Expert Testifies Social Media Addiction Hits Teens Hardest

Landmark trial alleges Google and Meta's platforms are designed to be addictive for young users.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In the first trial of a series of lawsuits against major tech companies, an expert witness testified that social media platforms like Instagram and YouTube are inherently addictive, especially for teenagers whose brains are still developing. Dr. Anna Lembke, the medical director of Stanford's addiction medicine program, told jurors that young users' brains are "especially vulnerable" to the "four C's" of addiction - loss of control, cravings, compulsions, and consequences.

Why it matters

This case is the first of many lawsuits alleging that social media giants like Google and Meta have knowingly designed their products to be addictive, particularly for children and teenagers. The outcome could set a precedent for how these companies are held accountable for the mental health impacts of their platforms.

The details

Lembke testified that social media "has 'drugified' connection, validation, and novelty" and that "the younger the exposure, generally speaking, the greater the risk" of addiction. She cited features like autoplay, constant notifications, and "endless scroll" as intentionally addictive design choices. Lawyers for the plaintiff argued the companies "built traps" and "wanted addicts, not users." However, defense lawyers framed the plaintiff's struggles as stemming from personal and family issues rather than the platforms themselves.

  • The trial began on February 11, 2026.
  • Lembke is expected to continue testifying on Friday.
  • Instagram head Adam Mosseri is scheduled to take the stand on Wednesday.
  • Meta founder Mark Zuckerberg is expected to testify next week.

The players

Dr. Anna Lembke

The medical director of Stanford University's addiction medicine program and the author of the best-selling book "Dopamine Nation." She testified as an expert witness for the plaintiff.

K.G.M.

A 20-year-old California woman who is the plaintiff in the case, alleging she experienced anxiety, body dysmorphia, self-harm, and suicidal ideation after developing a dangerous dependence on Instagram and YouTube.

Mark Lanier

The lawyer representing the plaintiff, K.G.M. He argued the evidence will show the tech companies created "digital casinos" knowingly marketed to children.

Paul Schmidt

The lead lawyer for Meta, which owns Instagram. He framed the plaintiff's struggles as the result of tragic family circumstances rather than platform design.

Luis Li

The lawyer representing YouTube, a Google-owned platform. He noted YouTube has become the largest streaming service in the U.S. and is widely used in education.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“They didn't just build apps, they built traps. They didn't want users. They wanted addicts. They didn't want time spent, they wanted control. This was no accident. This was addiction by design.”

— Mark Lanier, Plaintiff's Lawyer (Rolling Stone)

“The struggles she's had — they go all the way back. They're lifelong.”

— Paul Schmidt, Meta's Lead Lawyer (Rolling Stone)

“If you struggle with depression, you're at greater risk of becoming addicted. If you're addicted, you're at greater risk of depression.”

— Dr. Anna Lembke, Expert Witness (Rolling Stone)

What’s next

The trial is expected to continue next week with testimony from Meta founder Mark Zuckerberg.

The takeaway

This landmark trial could set a precedent for how social media companies are held accountable for the mental health impacts of their platforms, especially on vulnerable young users. The outcome will be closely watched as thousands of similar lawsuits work their way through the courts.