A trial in Los Angeles this week could set a legal precedent on whether social media companies intentionally designed platforms to be addictive to children.

The case involves defendants Alphabet, ByteDance, and Meta, which operate YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram, respectively.

Jury selection begins in California state court, with the trial expected to start in early February.

The lawsuit centers on allegations that social media platforms caused mental health issues, including depression and eating disorders, among young users, citing a 19-year-old woman identified as K.G.M. as a case of severe harm linked to social media addiction.

Plaintiffs’ lawyers are using strategies similar to those used against the tobacco industry, arguing these companies marketed a product that contributed to harm.

Meta’s CEO Mark Zuckerberg is expected to testify.

🔗 Source: Agence-France Presse

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