Meta and YouTube, two of the world’s biggest social media companies, faced court in Los Angeles on Monday (local time) over the “addictive” features of their platforms. Tech companies are accused of intentionally creating social media platforms that are addictive, CNN reported.
Lawyers representing the 20-year-old woman, identified as Kaley or the initials “KGM”, said the platform’s design and engagement-motivated elements negatively affected her mental health. The landmark lawsuit is the first of many to hold platforms accountable for harm caused to children who use them.
According to the plaintiff, the technology companies are accused of creating platforms that have addictive features and led her to develop anxiety, body dysmorphia and suicidal thoughts. However, lawyers for Meta and YouTube previously said they would argue that a difficult family life was actually to blame for the plaintiff’s mental health issues.
Read also | A landmark trial is underway accusing social media companies of children’s addiction to their platforms
“Digital Casinos”
The plaintiff’s lawyer called the parent company of Instagram, Meta and YouTube “digital casinos,” saying the app’s “endless scrolling feature” creates dopamine hits that can lead to addiction. “This case is about two of the richest corporations that created an addiction in children’s brains,” her lawyer said, adding: “Swipe, for a child like Kaley, this motion is the handle of a slot machine. But every time she swipes, it’s not for money, it’s for mental stimulation.”
Kelly’s lawyer, who shared internal documents from Meta and YouTube, argued that one of the platforms’ goals was to attract young children and tweens. According to Meta’s decade-old strategy, if the company wants to ”win big with teens,” it needs to “bring them in as tween.”
Read also | Spain, Greece consider social media bans for teens, drawing Elon Musk’s fury
According to media reports, parents and safety advocates sought more online railings. The trial represents a crucial moment of responsibility.
The tech giants deny the allegations
Tech giants such as Meta have long denied the allegations, saying they have implemented “safety features” such as parental controls, content restrictions and “take a break” reminders.
Ahead of the opening statement on Monday, a Met spokesman said: “We fundamentally disagree with these allegations and are confident that the evidence will demonstrate our long-term commitment to supporting young people.”
A YouTube spokesperson said the claims were “simply not true”, adding that “providing young people with a safer and healthier experience has always been at the core of our work”.
Read also | The meta will cut off access to Instagram and Facebook characters for minors
A ban on social media apps for teens needed?
Amid growing scrutiny of social media platforms, several countries are now considering an Australia-like ban on social media apps for children under 16. The ban was backed by Britain’s House of Lords earlier in January, with the Starmer government leading a three-month consultation that will end in the summer. As part of the consultation, officials will discuss and outline several measures to eliminate harmful internet use among children.
On January 21, the House of Lords voted to ban children under 16 from social media, the BBC reported. While some people argued that it would help protect the welfare of children, others argued that it could do more harm than good.
In a related move, France’s lower house of parliament voted on Jan. 27 to ban children under 15 from accessing social media, citing growing concerns about online bullying.
Denmark, Spain and Greece are also reportedly studying a similar ban on social media, Al Jazeera reported.
Is India considering an Australia-like ban on under-16s?
On January 21, Bloomberg reported that the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh is also studying a similar ban to Australia’s for children under 16. Nara Lokesh, the minister for technology and human resources, told Bloomberg: “As a state, we are studying Australian under-16 law and yes, I believe we need to create a strong piece of legislation.”
Lokesh went on to say that he strongly believes that young people up to a certain age should not be on social media “because they don’t understand what they see”.
Lokesh’s remarks came after the Madras High Court in December 2025 called on the central government to consider legislation similar to Australia’s banning the use of social media by those under the age of 16.
With several more trials taking place in the US this year, will social media companies like Meta, YouTube and TikTok take responsibility for how social media apps are addictive to teenagers and harming their mental health? That remains to be seen.
