Meta, Google ordered to pay $3 million in a landmark social media trial — what happens next

A jury in Meta and Google social media addiction case ordered the companies to pay $3 million to a young woman in a major trial. The decision came from a Los Angeles jury after a closely watched trial about whether social media platforms were designed to make young users addicted, according to Fox Business.The jury said both companies were legally responsible for harm caused by their platforms to a young user.

Meta was told to pay 70% of the total damages, while Google must pay the remaining amount, according to Fox Business. The verdict came after nine days and about 43 hours of jury deliberations. Jurors also found that Meta and Google’s YouTube acted with “malice, oppression, or fraud,” which means extra punishment money may be added.

Social media case details

A separate hearing will now decide punitive damages, and each side will get 20 minutes to speak. A Meta spokesperson said the company disagrees with the verdict and is reviewing legal options. The case focused on a 20-year-old California woman identified as K.G.M. who said social media harmed her when she was younger, as per Fox Business. She claimed she developed depression and suicidal thoughts due to heavy social media use encouraged by the platforms. Her lawsuit argued that companies designed apps to encourage compulsive use among young people.


Meta and Google denied wrongdoing and said their platforms include safety tools and parental controls, according to Fox Business. TikTok and Snap were originally part of the lawsuit but settled before the trial began. This left Meta and Google-owned YouTube as the remaining companies in court. Jurors heard about one month of testimony, including evidence and statements from the woman herself. She told the court she started using YouTube at age 6 and Instagram at age 9, according to Fox Business.

Addictive features explained

She said she spent “all day long” on social media during childhood. Her lawyers pointed to features like endless scrolling feeds, autoplay videos, and constant notifications as tools meant to hook users. The trial was considered landmark because it tested whether social media companies can be held responsible for harm to young users. Jurors had to decide whether the companies knew their platforms could harm children.

They also examined whether the companies were negligent in designing their products. Another key question was whether social media was a major factor in causing the woman’s mental health issues. Earlier in the week, jurors asked the judge for guidance after struggling to reach a decision. The judge told them to review instructions and continue deliberations.

What happens next

The decision came one day after another jury in New Mexico told Meta to pay $375 million in a different case about safety and child exploitation. This result may affect future lawsuits against social media companies. Courts are still looking at how responsible these platforms are. Next, the court will decide if extra punishment money should be added, which could make Meta and Google pay more.

FAQs

Q1. Why did the jury order Meta to pay money?

The jury said the platform failed to keep users safe and caused harm, so it must pay damages.

Q2. Will Meta and Google have to pay more money?

Yes, the court may add extra punitive damages, which could increase the total amount.