Social media companies face first trial over addiction to their platforms

Multiple social media platforms face a first-of-its-kind trial in a Los Angeles court this week, facing accusations that their platforms are designed to be harmfully addictive.

The landmark case centers around claims from a 19-year old, identified only as K.G.M. in the lawsuit, who claims she became addicted to the social media platforms, which eventually led her to have depression and suicidal thoughts. Meta, owner of Instagram and Facebook; Snap, owners of Snapchat; TikTok, and YouTube were initially slated to be on trial, but settlements with Snap and TikTok were announced for undisclosed amounts just before trial, leaving only Meta and YouTube up for potential damages in this case.

Social media platforms and their addictive qualities have been increasingly under the microscope for the past decade,