In a historic verdict that could reshape the social media industry, a Los Angeles jury found Meta (Instagram) and Google (YouTube) liable for $6 million in damages on March 25, 2026 — the first time a jury has held social media companies accountable for deliberately designing their platforms to be addictive to children and teens.
The plaintiff, a 20-year-old California woman identified as K.G.M., began using YouTube at age 6 and Instagram at age 9. She alleged the platforms’ intentionally addictive design caused her depression, body dysmorphia, and suicidal thoughts. The jury found both companies were negligent and that they acted with malice, oppression, and fraud — awarding $3 million in compensatory damages and an additional $3 million in punitive damages.
The verdict is being compared to the landmark tobacco litigation of the 1990s. It is expected to influence the outcome of more than 1,600 similar pending lawsuits nationwide. The case was filed against Meta, YouTube, TikTok, and Snap — with TikTok and Snap settling before trial.
If your child or teenager has suffered mental health injuries including depression, anxiety, eating disorders, or self-harm as a result of social media addiction on platforms including Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, YouTube, or Facebook — you may have a claim.
Beverly Wilshire Law APC is actively pursuing social media addiction claims on behalf of affected families throughout California. Contact us today for a free consultation.