A Los Angeles jury has delivered a significant blow to Big Tech, finding Meta and Google negligent for deliberately designing social media platforms that harm young people. The March 25th verdict awarded $6 million in damages to a young woman who became addicted to Instagram and YouTube as a minor, exposing how these companies prioritize profits over the well-being of children and families.
The jury determined that Meta must pay $4.2 million and Google $1.8 million. The case, involving plaintiff Kaley, centered on addictive features such as the “infinite scroll” that keeps users — especially children — hooked for hours. Lawyers argued the platforms were engineered to maximize engagement at the expense of mental health, leading to addiction and emotional distress.
This bellwether trial is expected to influence thousands of similar lawsuits consolidated in California courts. It highlights a disturbing pattern: technology giants have knowingly created products that exploit the developing brains of children while shielding themselves behind claims of free speech and innovation. Meta and Google have announced they will appeal the decision. Despite the relatively modest award for two of the world’s wealthiest companies, the verdict sends a clear message that corporate greed cannot come at the cost of children’s futures.
The ruling comes amid growing national concern over social media’s impact on youth. Multiple states have passed laws requiring age verification and stronger protections, while parents and lawmakers continue to demand accountability from platforms that have contributed to rising rates of anxiety, depression, and self-harm among children. As this case moves forward, it underscores the urgent need to protect America’s children from Big Tech’s exploitative practices and to restore parental authority and common-sense safeguards in the digital age.