A day after Meta faced a similar lawsuit loss over child safety in New Mexico, a Los Angeles jury also ruled against the social media giant and YouTube. The case claimed that these platforms significantly harmed a young woman’s mental health. Jurors favored the plaintiff, identified as K.G.M. or Kaley.
As a result, Meta and YouTube are required to pay $3 million in compensatory damages, with Meta being responsible for 70% of the cost. The jury is still deliberating on the possibility of further damages.
The case, held in Los Angeles County Superior Court, sought to hold social media accountable for their addictive nature, which Kaley, now 20, stated contributed to her mental health issues like anxiety and depression during her youth. Meta’s lawyers argued that her mental health struggles stemmed more from her disruptive home life and her parents’ divorce than from its apps.
However, presented evidence convinced the jury that Meta acknowledged the addictive nature of its platforms, particularly among teens, and had actively researched and leveraged this to boost engagement among young users.
Before the case began, TikTok and Snap settled similar lawsuits with the plaintiff.
This ruling, along with others, like the New Mexico decision, may set a precedent where social media firms are held accountable for the harm their platforms cause, potentially leading to more lawsuits filed by other plaintiffs seeking damages.