Landmark Trial Accuses Social Media Giants of Addicting Children

Lawyers argue Meta and YouTube deliberately designed platforms to keep kids glued to their screens

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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A landmark trial in Los Angeles is seeking to hold Instagram owner Meta and Google's YouTube responsible for harms to children who use their products. Lawyers for the plaintiffs argue the tech giants have "engineered addiction in children's brains" through deliberate design choices, comparing their platforms to casinos and addictive drugs. The trial features internal documents and emails that allegedly show the companies were aware of the risks to young users, yet prioritized profits over child safety.

Why it matters

This case could have profound effects on the social media industry, potentially forcing major changes in how platforms handle and protect child users. A ruling against Meta and YouTube could open the floodgates for thousands of similar lawsuits, leading to hefty financial penalties and new regulations governing the design and marketing of social media apps.

The details

The lawsuit was filed on behalf of a 20-year-old plaintiff identified as "KGM," who began using YouTube at age 6 and Instagram at age 9. Lawyers say KGM's mental health struggles were exacerbated by social media addiction, citing internal company documents that allegedly show Meta and YouTube were aware of the risks but prioritized user engagement over child safety. The defendants argue the platforms were not a "substantial factor" in the plaintiff's issues, which they say stemmed more from a troubled home life and interpersonal conflicts.

  • The landmark trial began on February 10, 2026 in Los Angeles.
  • KGM, the 20-year-old plaintiff, is expected to testify later in the trial.

The players

Mark Lanier

The plaintiff's lawyer who delivered the opening statement, comparing social media platforms to casinos and addictive drugs.

Paul Schmidt

The lawyer representing Meta, who argued the platforms were not a "substantial factor" in the plaintiff's mental health struggles.

KGM

The 20-year-old plaintiff whose case could determine the outcome of thousands of similar lawsuits against social media companies.

Meta

The parent company of Instagram, which is one of the defendants in the landmark trial.

Google

The parent company of YouTube, which is also a defendant in the lawsuit.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.