A landmark social media addiction trial in which top tech executives are expected to testify began today in California.
The plaintiff, a 19-year-old woman identified as KGM, alleges that the design of the platforms' algorithms left her addicted to social media and negatively affected her mental health.
The defendants include Meta, which owns Instagram and Facebook, TikTok's parent company ByteDance, and YouTube's parent Google. Snapchat recently settled with the plaintiff ahead of the trial.
This closely-watched case at Los Angeles Superior Court is the first in a series of lawsuits that could challenge the legal shields typically used by tech firms in the United States.
'Dangerous and addictive algorithms'
The named social media companies have said the plaintiff's evidence falls short of proving they are responsible for alleged harms, like depression and eating disorders.
This trial signifies a notable shift in the US legal system's treatment of tech firms, with increasing claims that their products lead to addictive behaviors. These companies argue that Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act exempts them from liability for content posted by third-party users.
The plaintiff's attorney, Matthew Bergman, emphasized that this case is historic, stating it will be the first time a social media company is held accountable by a jury. He expressed that the current situation is detrimental to many young individuals worldwide affected by these platforms' addictive nature.
'The tech industry has been given deferential treatment'
During the trial, jurors are expected to review various evidence, including internal company documents. Experts anticipate that crucial details, previously shielded from public view, will emerge during the proceedings. Key witness Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg is slated to testify, where he will face scrutiny for the impact of social media on youth mental health.
Despite Meta's claims of implementing safety measures for teenagers online, researchers often challenge the effectiveness of these actions. The companies are likely to counter that any harms arose from third-party users, not from the platform designs.
This trial arrives amidst increasing scrutiny from families, educational institutions, and legal authorities globally, with prior cases like those brought against Meta alleging the company misled the public about the risks of social media use.
Experts suggest that the outcome of this case could set a precedent, potentially threatening the existence of social media giants if they fail to defend their practices successfully.
