Social media addicting the brains of children, plaintiffs lawyer argues in landmark trial

Published: Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at 1:52 pm

Landmark Trial Begins, Challenging Social Media's Impact on Children

A high-stakes trial has commenced in Los Angeles, pitting social media giants Meta (Instagram) and Google (YouTube) against claims that their platforms are deliberately designed to addict children. The lawsuit, spearheaded by plaintiffs' lawyer Mark Lanier, alleges that these companies have engineered addictive features, drawing comparisons to casinos and addictive drugs.

The case centers on a 20-year-old plaintiff, identified as KGM, whose experiences are being used as a bellwether for thousands of similar lawsuits. Lanier presented internal documents, emails, and studies conducted by Meta and Google, highlighting findings that suggest the companies were aware of the vulnerability of children, particularly those with pre-existing mental health challenges. He emphasized internal communications where employees likened Instagram to a drug and referred to young children as a target audience.

Meta's defense, led by lawyer Paul Schmidt, disputes the existence of social media addiction and argues that the platforms were not a substantial factor in KGM's mental health struggles. Schmidt highlighted the plaintiff's pre-existing challenges, including emotional abuse and body image issues, and presented testimony from her mental health providers.

The trial's outcome could have significant implications for the social media industry, potentially influencing how these companies handle children's use of their platforms. The case is part of a broader wave of legal challenges against social media companies, with other trials underway in New Mexico and Oakland, California, addressing issues such as sexual exploitation and harms to school districts.

BNN's Perspective:

This trial underscores the complex relationship between technology and youth mental health. While it's crucial to hold companies accountable for potentially harmful practices, it's equally important to consider the multifaceted nature of mental health challenges and the role of parental guidance in navigating the digital landscape. A balanced approach that addresses both corporate responsibility and individual well-being is essential.

Keywords: social media, addiction, children, Meta, Instagram, YouTube, Google, lawsuit, trial, mental health, KGM, Mark Lanier, Paul Schmidt, platforms, youth, harms, addiction, legal, technology, digital, well-being

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