Social Media & Kids: Addiction, Exploitation & Tech Trial Updates
A landmark civil trial in California Superior Court is examining claims that Meta, the parent company of Instagram, knowingly designed its platform to be addictive, contributing to mental health issues in young users. The case, brought by a plaintiff identified as K.G.M., alleges severe harm resulting from social media addiction, according to testimony presented on February 9th.
During the trial, Instagram’s chief executive reportedly compared the platform’s engagement to binge-watching television, a statement that drew scrutiny from legal counsel representing the plaintiff. Attorney Mark Lanier, in his opening statement, asserted that Meta and other tech companies “built machines designed to addict the brains of children, and they did it on purpose.”
The trial began with Meta facing accusations alongside Snap and TikTok, though Snap and TikTok reached settlements last month, avoiding a public trial and the potential exposure of internal documents. The focus now rests squarely on Meta and YouTube, with K.G.M. Alleging that both platforms contributed to her mental health struggles.
Digital safety advocate Jillian Michaels has publicly characterized the platforms as a “digital drug,” echoing concerns about the deliberate engineering of social media to maximize user dependency. Michaels’ commentary aligns with evidence presented in court suggesting that the algorithms employed by these companies are designed to foster addiction, mirroring tactics historically used by the tobacco industry, as highlighted by comparisons to past congressional testimony regarding nicotine’s addictive properties.
The case centers on the argument that these tech giants prioritized engagement and profit over the well-being of their young users. The plaintiff’s legal team is attempting to demonstrate a direct link between the addictive nature of the platforms and the resulting mental health consequences. The outcome of the trial could significantly alter the regulatory landscape for social media companies.
As of February 23, 2026, Meta has not released a statement directly addressing the allegations of intentionally designing its platform to be addictive. The trial is ongoing, with no immediate resolution in sight.