Jury finds YouTube, Meta negligent in landmark social media trial

In a groundbreaking ruling, a jury has found Meta and YouTube negligent for creating apps that have harmed children and teenagers without warning them about the potential dangers. The jury has awarded compensatory damages totaling $3 million, and punitive damages are now being considered in the next phase of the trial.

The lawsuit was filed by a 20-year-old woman known as “Kaley,” who alleges that major social media companies intentionally designed their platforms to be addictive. Features like auto-scrolling allegedly led to the plaintiff developing an addiction to these platforms, resulting in anxiety, depression, and body image issues.

In response to the verdict, a Meta spokesperson stated that they respectfully disagree with the decision and are evaluating their legal options. The plaintiff’s attorney has described the verdict as a significant moment, signaling accountability for an entire industry.

YouTube has also expressed their intention to appeal the verdict, stating that they disagree with the decision. Google spokesperson José Castañeda emphasized that YouTube is a streaming platform, not a social media site, and that the case misconstrues their platform.

The jury determined that 70% of the damages are the responsibility of Meta, with the remaining 30% falling on YouTube. Every question posed regarding negligence and failure to warn of dangers received a “Yes” answer from the jury, with ten jurors siding with the plaintiff and two with the defense.

This verdict marks the second recent loss for Meta, following a $375 million penalty in a separate trial in New Mexico. The trial in Los Angeles featured testimony from social media leaders and the plaintiff, shedding light on the impact of social media addiction.

The trial, held in the California Superior Court of Los Angeles County, named Meta and YouTube as defendants. Snapchat and TikTok were also initially involved in the lawsuit but settled with the plaintiffs prior to the trial.

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Instagram head Adam Mosseri testified during the trial, addressing questions about age restrictions, app engagement, and the impact of social media on users. Zuckerberg acknowledged the challenges of enforcing age restrictions on Instagram, while Mosseri differentiated between clinical addiction and problematic use of the platform.

Overall, the trial has brought attention to the responsibilities of social media companies in safeguarding users, particularly vulnerable populations like children and teenagers. The outcome of the trial underscores the importance of accountability in the tech industry and the need to prioritize user well-being over profit.