Social Media on Trial: The Case Against Meta, YouTube, TikTok & Snapchat

For the first time, social media executives are being forced to answer to a jury for the impact their platforms have had on children.

This trial in Los Angeles (MDL 3047) brings together claims from more than 2,000 families who allege that platform features such as infinite scroll, autoplay, notifications, and reward systems were intentionally designed to encourage compulsive use in kids and teens.

Evidence presented in court includes:

• Internal memos comparing Instagram to a drug

• Research showing vulnerable teens were especially at risk

• Warnings about beauty filters contributing to body dysmorphia

• Testimony distinguishing “clinical addiction” from “problematic use”

• Allegations linking platform contact to exploitation, drug access, and suicide

At the center of the case is a critical question:

Are these technology companies — or advertising companies built on capturing attention?

Follow Nicki Petrossi of Scrolling to Death for ongoing courtroom coverage and analysis.

To track the proceedings, search: MDL 3047