Lawsuit against Meta and YouTube alleges social media addiction in children

The outcome of the trial could guide the result of around 1,500 more similar lawsuits being levied at social media giants.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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A major lawsuit on social media addiction is playing out in Los Angeles, with lawyers for the plaintiff arguing that social media platforms like Instagram and YouTube have 'engineered addiction in children's brains'. The case specifically targets social media features such as infinite scroll feeds, rather than the content of the platforms. Meta and YouTube have refuted the allegations, with Meta's lawyer suggesting the plaintiff's family dynamics are to blame for her mental health troubles. The outcome of the trial could guide the result of around 1,500 more similar lawsuits being levied at social media giants.

Why it matters

This case is part of a growing trend of social media pushback, especially when it comes to young people. The outcome could have far-reaching implications for how social media platforms engage with and impact younger users. The case also highlights ongoing concerns about the addictive nature of social media and its potential mental health consequences for children and adolescents.

The details

The lawsuit accuses Meta and YouTube of intentionally creating addictive features on their platforms, such as infinite scroll feeds, that are likened to 'digital casinos' and create an addictive cycle of dopamine hits. The plaintiff, identified as Kaley (KGM), argues that this social media addiction caused her to develop anxiety, body dysmorphia, and suicidal thoughts. Meta and YouTube have denied the allegations, with Meta's lawyer suggesting Kaley's family dynamics are to blame for her mental health issues.

  • The trial is currently underway in Los Angeles.
  • YouTube's lawyer is expected to give the company's opening legal statement on Tuesday, February 10.

The players

Kaley (KGM)

The plaintiff in the lawsuit, who is accusing Meta and YouTube of intentionally creating addictive social media platforms that caused her to develop mental health issues.

Meta

The parent company of Instagram, which is a defendant in the lawsuit. Meta has denied the allegations and suggested the plaintiff's family dynamics are to blame for her mental health troubles.

YouTube

A subsidiary of Alphabet Inc. and a defendant in the lawsuit. YouTube has also refuted the allegations, stating that providing a safer, healthier experience for young people has always been core to their work.

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What they’re saying

“This case is about two of the richest corporations who have engineered addiction in children's brains.”

— Kaley (KGM), Plaintiff

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

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

What’s next

The trial is expected to last six weeks, and the outcome could guide the result of around 1,500 more similar lawsuits being levied at social media giants.

The takeaway

This case highlights the growing concerns about the addictive nature of social media platforms and their potential impact on the mental health of children and adolescents. The outcome of the trial could have far-reaching implications for how social media companies design and operate their platforms, especially when it comes to younger users.