Woman sues Meta, YouTube over social media addiction

Landmark trial in Los Angeles examines impact of platforms on child mental health

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A California woman is expected to testify in court on Thursday about how using Meta Platforms' Instagram and Google's YouTube as a child harmed her mental health, as her landmark trial in Los Angeles continues. The plaintiff, known as Kaley G.M. in court, began using Instagram at age 9 and YouTube at age 6 and says the platforms contributed to her depression and body dysmorphia. The companies are accused of profiting by hooking young children on their services despite knowing social media could harm their mental health.

Why it matters

This case is part of a broader global backlash against social media companies over alleged harms to children and teens. Australia has banned under-16s from such platforms, and other countries are considering similar restrictions. The outcome of this trial could set a precedent for future lawsuits and regulatory actions targeting social media platforms' practices regarding young users.

The details

Kaley G.M.'s former psychotherapist testified that adolescent social media usage was a "contributing factor" to her mental health issues. The beginning of the trial focused on what the companies knew about how social media affects children, and their business strategies related to younger users. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg testified the company discussed but never launched products for children. To win the case, Kaley's lawyers must show that the way the companies designed or operated the platforms was a substantial factor in causing or worsening her mental health issues.

  • The trial is ongoing, with Kaley G.M. expected to testify on Thursday, February 26, 2026.
  • The case began earlier in February 2026.

The players

Kaley G.M.

A California woman suing Meta Platforms and Google's YouTube over claims that using their platforms as a child harmed her mental health, including contributing to depression and body dysmorphia.

Meta Platforms

The parent company of social media platform Instagram, which is accused of profiting by hooking young children on its services despite knowing social media could harm their mental health.

Google's YouTube

The video-sharing platform, which is also accused of profiting by hooking young children on its services despite knowing social media could harm their mental health.

Mark Zuckerberg

The CEO of Meta Platforms, who testified that the company discussed but never launched products for children.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Adolescent social media usage was a "contributing factor" to Kaley's mental health issues.”

— Kaley G.M.'s former psychotherapist

What’s next

The judge will hear Kaley G.M.'s testimony on Thursday, February 26, 2026, as the trial continues.

The takeaway

This landmark trial could set a precedent for future lawsuits and regulatory actions targeting social media platforms' practices regarding young users, as concerns grow over the mental health impacts of social media on children and teens.