Pivotal Trial Launches as Tech Giants Stand Accused of Social Media Addiction

Mon Feb 02 2026 17:34:32 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A landmark trial in California begins as a 19-year-old alleges major tech firms are responsible for social media addiction and its negative effects on mental health.

In California, a significant trial against leading tech companies such as Meta and TikTok commences, sparked by a lawsuit from a young woman claiming that social media addiction due to their algorithms adversely impacted her mental health. This case marks a potential shift in how legal accountability is perceived in the tech industry.

Pivotal Trial Launches as Tech Giants Stand Accused of Social Media Addiction

A landmark social media addiction trial in which top tech executives are expected to testify has begun in California. The plaintiff, a 19-year-old woman identified solely as KGM, claims that the design of the algorithms used by social media platforms has rendered her addicted and adversely affected her mental health.

Defendants in this case include Meta, the owner of Instagram and Facebook, ByteDance (the parent company of TikTok), and Google (which owns YouTube). Notably, Snapchat settled with the plaintiff just prior to the trial.

This high-profile case in Los Angeles is seen as the first in a series of lawsuits aiming to challenge the traditional legal protections that tech companies have historically enjoyed. As such, it could redefine accountability for social media firms in the U.S.

'Dangerous and Addictive Algorithms'

The defendants have countered KGM’s claims by asserting that there is insufficient evidence linking their platforms directly to issues like depression and eating disorders. Legal experts suggest that the outcome of this trial could significantly impact how the legal system treats tech companies regarding addiction-related allegations.

Chief among concerns during the trial is whether the jury will believe that the design decisions for algorithms, notifications, and user interface elements have direct consequences on user behavior. KGM's attorney, Matthew Bergman, comments that this case will be groundbreaking, as it will be the first time a jury holds a social media company accountable in this context.

Experts also note that the testimony expected from tech executives, including Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, will expose internal decision-making processes that may not have been disclosed previously.

'The Tech Industry Has Been Given Deferential Treatment'

As the trial unfolds, evidence such as internal documents and testimonies may lead jurors to question the longstanding protections granted to these tech giants. Mary Graw Leary, a law professor, anticipates that secrets the companies have aimed to keep from the public will emerge in court.

With growing scrutiny from lawmakers and advocacy groups regarding the impact of social media on youth mental health, the pressure on tech firms is mounting. Meta has introduced several features to enhance user safety, but critics argue these measures lack effectiveness.

The legal landscape is evolving, with recent lawsuits by multiple U.S. states against Meta, claiming the company has misled the public regarding social media risks. Furthermore, international regulatory actions, such as Australia's ban on social media for users under 16, signal a potential shift in public policy.

Experts are suggesting that the court's willingness to scrutinize tech companies could signify a tipping point in the accountability of the tech industry regarding mental health issues.