The world's largest social media companies have been accused of creating addiction machines as a landmark trial began in California examining the mental health effects of Instagram and YouTube.
In his opening argument before Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Carolyn B. Kuhl and a jury, Mark Lanier argued that his client, the plaintiff referred to as K.G.M., suffered from mental health issues as a result of her social media addiction.
These companies built machines designed to addict the brains of children, and they did it on purpose, said Lanier.
Lawyers for Meta and YouTube countered that K.G.M.'s addiction stemmed from other issues in her life, not their negligence.
K.G.M., whose exact identity is protected due to her minor status, will be at the center of the trial as it unfolds, with the proceedings marking an important examination of corporate responsibility regarding user welfare.
Lanier accused Meta and YouTube of failing to warn users about the dangers posed by their platforms’ designs, emphasizing that their business models prioritized engagement and profit over user health. The case has drawn attention to internal documents and emails from executives, including Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, which allegedly confirm a focus on maximizing user engagement metrics.
YouTube, according to Lanier, actively targeted younger audiences to maximize advertising revenues while positioning itself as a digital babysitting service for parents. This approach, he argued, exploited busy parents and exposed young users to harmful content.
In response, Meta’s attorney, Paul Schmidt, challenged the assertion that Instagram played a significant role in K.G.M.'s struggles, pointing to her tumultuous family background and previous mental health challenges.
The trial, slated for six weeks, is poised to have broader implications for similar lawsuits, as it seeks to address the accountability of social media companies in light of growing concerns over mental health impacts on young users. Upcoming testimonies will include insights from experts, other affected families, and even whistleblowers from within the tech giant's ranks.
As the courtroom proceedings commenced, observers included about a hundred attendees, many of whom were parents advocating against social media practices they believe have harmful effects on children. The trial's outcome could set a precedent regarding the responsibility of tech corporations to safeguard user welfare, especially among vulnerable demographics like minors.
