Landmark Social Media Addiction Trial Begins

Plaintiff testifies about anxiety, depression, and body image issues from childhood social media use

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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A 20-year-old California woman has taken the stand in a landmark trial against social media companies, alleging that years of addiction to platforms like YouTube and Instagram from a young age severely impacted her mental health, leading to anxiety, depression, body image issues, and self-harm. The trial is part of a growing global movement challenging tech giants over potential harms to minors from social media use.

Why it matters

This case represents a major legal test of whether social media companies can be held liable for the negative mental health impacts their platforms may have on young users. The outcome could set a precedent and spur further lawsuits or regulatory action targeting tech firms over these issues.

The details

The plaintiff, Kaley G.M., testified that her obsessive social media use starting at ages 6 and 9 led to a range of mental health struggles, including anxiety, depression, insecurity about her appearance, disrupted school performance, sleep loss, and strained family relationships. She said the issues became so severe that she began self-harming at age 10 and had suicidal thoughts, though she never acted on them. Kaley's former psychotherapist also testified that her excessive social media usage was a 'contributing factor' to her diagnosed mental health conditions at the time, including social phobia and body dysmorphic disorder.

  • The trial commenced in late January 2026.
  • Kaley G.M. took the stand and testified on February 27, 2026.

The players

Kaley G.M.

A 20-year-old California woman who is the plaintiff in the landmark trial alleging social media addiction and mental health harms from childhood use of platforms like YouTube and Instagram.

Mark Lanier

The attorney representing Kaley G.M. in the lawsuit against the tech companies.

Meta

The parent company of social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram, which is a defendant in the lawsuit.

Google

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

Mark Zuckerberg

The CEO of Meta, who testified during the trial proceedings.

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What they’re saying

“I began cutting myself as a coping mechanism to deal with my depression.”

— Kaley G.M., Plaintiff (Reuters)

“Because without it I felt a huge part of me was missing, and if I didn't have it I would be missing out on something, and it would send me into a panic.”

— Kaley G.M., Plaintiff (Reuters)

“I can't, it's too hard to be without it.”

— Kaley G.M., Plaintiff (Reuters)

What’s next

Kaley G.M.'s mother is scheduled to testify following her daughter's testimony. The trial is ongoing and the outcome could set a precedent for future lawsuits against social media companies over potential harms to minors.

The takeaway

This landmark trial highlights the growing concerns over the mental health impacts of social media addiction, especially among young users. The case could lead to increased scrutiny and potential regulation of tech companies' practices regarding children and adolescents on their platforms.