Landmark Verdict: Meta, Google Guilty of Instagram, YouTube Addiction in Teens

• A Los Angeles jury found Meta (Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp) and Google (YouTube) liable for designing addictive platforms that harmed young users.
• The tech giants were ordered to pay $3 million in compensatory damages to Kaley (KGM), who suffered depression, body dysmorphia, and suicidal thoughts due to app use.
• KGM testified she started YouTube at 6 and Instagram at 11, leading to damaged self-worth, isolation, and mental health issues.
• Internal documents revealed Meta knew about harmful effects and targeted tweens, despite age restrictions.
• This bellwether trial sets a legal precedent, potentially opening social media companies to an 'avalanche' of similar lawsuits and forcing design overhauls.