Tech Giants Face Trial Over Social Media’s Impact on Youth

A landmark trial has begun in Los Angeles, centering on whether social media platforms like Meta and YouTube intentionally designed their products to be addictive to children. The case follows years of investigation into how these platforms handle child safety and mental health. A 20-year-old plaintiff, identified as KGM, is leading one of several "bellwether" cases that could set the tone for thousands of similar lawsuits nationwide.

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg testified this week, defending his company’s policies and emphasizing that the platform restricts users under the age of 13. However, attorneys for the families argue that the companies' algorithms are specifically crafted to keep young users engaged, often leading to issues like depression and eating disorders.

The outcome of this trial could fundamentally change how social media companies operate in the United States. If the jury finds the tech giants responsible for specific mental health harms, it could open the door for massive settlements and new federal regulations aimed at protecting minors online.