Landmark trial accusing social media companies of addicting children to their platforms begins

A landmark trial has commenced in a California court, where social media companies Meta Platforms and Alphabet’s Google, which owns YouTube, are being accused of designing their platforms to be addictive for children. The case centers around a 20-year-old woman identified as K.G.M., who alleges that the attention-grabbing features of Instagram and YouTube led to her addiction and negatively impacted her mental health. This trial is seen as a significant test of whether major tech companies can be held liable for the effects of their products on young users (AP News, Deutsche Welle, South China Morning Post). During the opening statements, the court heard claims that Instagram and YouTube function as "addiction machines," designed to keep users engaged at the expense of their well-being. The trial is taking place in Los Angeles and is expected to set a precedent that could influence numerous similar cases across the United States. The outcome may also lead to changes in how social media platforms are designed, particularly regarding their appeal to children (BBC, Rolling Stone, France24). Meta and Google are defending themselves against these allegations, arguing that their platforms are not inherently harmful. The case is being closely watched, as it could reshape the landscape of social media regulation and accountability, especially concerning the mental health of younger users (Rolling Stone, Deutsche Welle). The implications of this trial extend beyond the immediate parties involved, potentially affecting thousands of other cases related to social media addiction (Rolling Stone).