A 20-year-old woman began testimony Thursday in a landmark trial alleging that social media platforms Instagram and YouTube intentionally designed addictive features that harmed her mental health, according to court proceedings. Kaley G.M., identified in court filings as KGM, alleges that her prolonged use of the platforms, beginning in childhood, exacerbated her depression and contributed to suicidal thoughts.
The case, unfolding in Los Angeles Superior Court, is considered a bellwether trial, meaning the outcome could significantly influence the handling of thousands of similar lawsuits against Meta Platforms, the parent company of Instagram and Facebook, and Google, the parent company of YouTube. TikTok and Snap have already settled similar claims.
Kaley G.M. Began using YouTube at age six and Instagram at age nine, spending “all day long” on the platforms as a child, she testified. Her attorneys presented childhood photos and recounted positive memories from her upbringing in Chico, California, including birthday parties and family trips, to establish a baseline of a generally happy childhood. But, the testimony also revealed frequent arguments with her mother centered around her phone usage.
Whereas both sides acknowledge a challenging home life for Kaley G.M., the core disagreement lies in the platforms’ role. Her legal team argues that she was a vulnerable user exploited by addictive design features. Attorneys representing Meta and Google contend that she turned to social media as a coping mechanism for pre-existing mental health struggles. Kaley G.M. Acknowledged that her mother “wasn’t perfect, but she was trying her best,” and stated she doesn’t currently view past actions as abuse or neglect.
The lawsuit alleges that Instagram and YouTube employ attention-grabbing designs specifically intended to foster addiction. Google spokesperson José Castañeda stated that the allegations are “simply not true,” emphasizing the company’s commitment to providing “a safer, healthier experience” for young users through age-appropriate services and parental controls. Meta similarly asserted its dedication to supporting young people, citing a decade of function with experts and law enforcement to address concerns.
The trial is expected to continue with further testimony from Kaley G.M. And expert witnesses. A key question will be whether the platforms’ design choices constitute negligence or intentional harm, and whether a direct link can be established between their use and the plaintiff’s mental health decline.
