Young woman testifies against social media giants over technology addiction

Landmark lawsuit alleges Instagram and YouTube were designed to be addictive, harming mental health

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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A 20-year-old woman, identified as KGM, is suing Meta (parent company of Instagram and Facebook) and Google (owner of YouTube), alleging that the platforms were deliberately designed to be addictive, contributing to her depression and suicidal thoughts. This case, along with two others, is a 'bellwether trial' that could significantly influence thousands of similar lawsuits targeting social media companies for their impact on young users' mental health.

Why it matters

This trial is part of a broader legal landscape where social media companies are facing increasing scrutiny and accountability for the potential harms of their platforms, particularly on vulnerable young users. The outcome could set a precedent for how these platforms are regulated and held responsible for their impact on mental health.

The details

KGM began using YouTube at age six and Instagram at age nine, describing a childhood deeply intertwined with social media. Her testimony reveals how the platforms' features, such as notifications and filters, contributed to compulsive behavior and the development of body dysmorphia. The defense has argued that KGM's mental health struggles stemmed from pre-existing issues and a 'turbulent home life', but the plaintiff's attorney has presented evidence that the platforms were intentionally designed to be 'addiction machines' to maximize user engagement.

  • KGM began using YouTube at age 6.
  • KGM began using Instagram at age 9.
  • KGM experienced self-harm in 6th grade, during a period of abuse from her mother.

The players

KGM

A 20-year-old woman suing Meta and Google, alleging the social media platforms were designed to be addictive and contributed to her depression and suicidal thoughts.

Meta

The parent company of Instagram and Facebook, which is being sued by KGM.

Google

The owner of YouTube, which is also being sued by KGM.

Mark Lanier

The plaintiff's attorney, who has argued that Meta and YouTube intentionally created 'addiction machines' designed to exploit the brains of children.

Mark Zuckerberg

The CEO of Meta, whose 2015 email demanding a 12% increase in 'time spent' on the platform to meet business goals was presented as evidence supporting the 'addiction machine' argument.

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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 outcome of this trial could set a precedent for how social media platforms are regulated and held accountable for their impact on mental health, particularly among young users. The case is being closely watched as a 'bellwether' that could influence thousands of similar lawsuits targeting tech companies.

The takeaway

This case highlights the growing concerns about the addictive nature of social media platforms and their potential to harm the mental health of young users. It underscores the need for greater scrutiny and regulation of these platforms to ensure they are designed with user well-being in mind, not just maximizing engagement and profits.