Los Angeles Jury Begins Weighing Claims That Meta and Snap Apps Hooked Young Users

A Los Angeles jury began selecting members on Wednesday for a high-profile trial against Meta and Snap. The case centers on claims that the companies designed their social media platforms to be addictive, specifically targeting young users. This proceeding is part of a growing wave of legal actions examining the impact of social media on youth mental health.

The lawsuit was filed in 2023. Two plaintiffs, a 16-year-old from Illinois identified as S.J. and an 18-year-old from Mississippi identified as K.D.B., argue that features like endless scrolling and Snapstreaks kept them compulsively engaged. They state this usage led to depression, anxiety, reduced sleep, eating disorders, and self-harm.

Plaintiffs' attorneys argue that the platforms were defectively designed to appeal to minors who could not fully understand the risks. A complaint filed in Los Angeles trial court stated that the defendants created products that young people were particularly susceptible to harming. TikTok and Alphabet's YouTube were originally included in the suit but settled before this trial began.

Meta has settled with the Illinois teen but continues to contest the claims made by the Mississippi teen. A Meta spokesperson noted that a young person's mental health is influenced by many factors. The spokesperson pointed out that the plaintiff used TikTok more than Instagram or Facebook and cited personal circumstances as a major factor in her struggles.

Snap disputes the allegations as well. A company spokesperson said Snap has built safeguards, safety tools, and educational resources into the platform. The spokesperson argued that the evidence will show the company prioritized its community. They also claimed the allegations misrepresent the plaintiffs' experiences and the platform's actual design.

Both companies plan to argue that factors other than their products caused the plaintiffs' difficulties. The plaintiffs are seeking compensatory and punitive damages, though the specific amounts have not been disclosed. Mark Lanier, the lead attorney for the plaintiffs, said this is the first case against Snapchat to go to trial. He noted that the public will see some of the company's internal documents for the first time.

Key figures from both companies are expected to take the stand. Instagram head Adam Mosseri, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, and Snap CEO Evan Spiegel are all scheduled to testify. Judge Carolyn Kuhl is presiding over the case. The trial is expected to run until mid-December, with opening statements set for early November.

Meta and Snap recently asked the court to split the matter into two separate trials. A person familiar with the matter said Judge Kuhl has not yet ruled on that request. This case was selected as a bellwether among numerous similar claims filed against social media companies. A 2024 Pew Research Center survey found that nearly half of U.S. teens ages 13 to 17 say they are online almost constantly.

Earlier this year, a jury ordered companies to pay $6 million in a separate landmark case. That jury found the companies responsible for creating products that led to harmful and addictive behavior among young users. The current trial offers a direct look at how courts weigh corporate design choices against individual mental health outcomes.