March 26, (THEWILL) — A Los Angeles jury on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, found Meta and YouTube liable for harming a young woman through addictive platform features.
The plaintiff, a 20-year-old identified as KGM, said the platforms negatively affected her mental health while growing up. The jury agreed and ruled that the companies were negligent.
The court awarded $3 million in damages, with Meta responsible for 70% and Google, YouTube’s parent company, covering the rest. Jurors will still decide on possible punitive damages.
KGM had also sued TikTok and Snap Inc. in 2023, but both companies settled before the trial.
During the case, Instagram head, Adam Mosseri, said social media is not “clinically addictive”, while Meta CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, said the company does not design its platforms to encourage harmful use. Both companies say they will appeal the verdict.
The case could influence many similar lawsuits across the United States, as more people question how social media affects users.
The ruling also puts pressure on platforms like Instagram and YouTube, which shape influencer culture, online fame, and content creation. It raises fresh questions about how these apps affect young users.
As concerns about social media grow worldwide, some countries are already considering stricter rules for younger users. Experts say this case could mark a turning point in how people see its impact on mental health.
Evi Ben Ezaga writes on entertainment, culture, and trending stories.
