Meta and YouTube found liable in social media addiction trial

A jury found Meta and YouTube negligent in a social media addiction case. The companies failed to warn users about the risks of their products. Jurors determined that the negligence was a substantial factor in mental health harms experienced by plaintiff Kaley G.M. The jury ordered the companies to pay a total of $3 million in compensatory damages. Meta is responsible for 70 percent of the balance. Jurors found that punitive damages were warranted and will deliberate further on the amount. Ten jurors answered in favor of the plaintiff on each question. This included whether the companies were negligent and a substantial factor in the harm. Two jurors favored the defense, but unanimity was not required for the verdict. Kaley G.M. and her therapist testified about her body dysmorphia and compulsive use of the platforms. The five-week trial at Los Angeles Superior Court featured testimony from Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and ex-employee whistleblowers. Meta spokesperson Francis Brennan said the company respectfully disagrees with the verdict and will appeal. Google spokesperson José Castañeda said the company disagrees and plans to appeal. He stated that the case misunderstands YouTube as a streaming platform rather than a social media site. The case is the first of several bellwether suits proceeding at the courthouse. Snap and TikTok settled their cases with Kaley before the trial began.