A Los Angeles jury has ordered Meta Platforms and Alphabet Inc.’s Google to pay $6 million in damages to a 20-year-old woman, Kaley G.M., who claimed their platforms contributed to her mental health crisis. The verdict found the companies liable for harming a user with products designed to be addictive.
The jury determined Meta and Google were negligent in the design and operation of Instagram and YouTube, exacerbating the plaintiff’s depression and anxiety stemming from compulsive social media use as a child. The woman testified about becoming addicted to the platforms and the negative impact on her mental wellbeing.
This landmark verdict could shift legal responsibility for content on these platforms, potentially placing Meta and Google in a similar category to Big Tobacco and opioid manufacturers. Attorneys general from over 40 states have already filed suits against Meta, alleging it contributes to a youth mental health crisis.
While the $6 million sum is smaller than previous fines against the companies, the case may influence future lawsuits concerning social media addiction and its effects.