Meta and Google face trial over alleged addiction of young users

09:00

By: Sahili Aya

Meta and Google face trial over alleged addiction of young users

A civil trial opened this week in Los Angeles examining allegations that Meta and Google deliberately designed their platforms to encourage addictive behavior among young users, a case that could reshape legal accountability for major technology companies.

Lawyers representing the plaintiff argued that features on platforms such as Instagram and YouTube were not the result of neutral technological choices, but rather intentional design strategies aimed at maximizing user engagement. According to the plaintiffs, keeping young users online longer directly fuels advertising revenue, making excessive screen time a profitable outcome rather than an unintended side effect.

The case centers on a 20-year-old Californian whose complaint has been selected as a test case among hundreds of similar lawsuits filed in the state. She claims that early and prolonged exposure to social media platforms during childhood and adolescence led to compulsive use and contributed to psychological distress, including anxiety and low self-esteem.

During opening statements, attorneys presented internal corporate documents they say reveal a focus on engagement metrics and user retention, particularly among younger audiences. Executives from Meta and its subsidiary Instagram, as well as representatives from Google’s YouTube, are expected to testify during the proceedings, which are scheduled to last several weeks.

Defense lawyers rejected the accusation that platform design caused the plaintiff’s difficulties, arguing instead that her personal and family circumstances played a central role. They also emphasized that social media represented only a limited portion of her overall digital activity and, at times, was described by her as having positive effects.

Legal experts say the trial could set an important precedent by challenging the way U.S. law shields digital platforms from liability. Rather than focusing on user-generated content, the plaintiffs are targeting algorithms and personalization tools, comparing their legal strategy to past lawsuits against the tobacco industry.

Beyond California, similar legal actions are unfolding across the United States, reflecting growing scrutiny over the impact of social media on minors and the balance between technological innovation and public health responsibilities.