Is social media harming kids’ mental health? Meta, TikTok, YouTube to face court scrutiny

In recent years, social media platforms have come under fire for their potential role in exacerbating mental health issues among young users. As the debate on children's screen time heats up, major players like Meta, TikTok, and YouTube are set to face legal challenges in a landmark case in California's Superior Court, Los Angeles County. This pivotal lawsuit has been initiated by a 19-year-old Californian, referred to as K.G.M., who asserts that her addiction to these platforms stems from their highly engaging designs. The case, which is expected to set a precedent for numerous similar lawsuits, will focus on allegations of 'social media addiction' affecting minors. According to court documents, K.G.M. claims that her dependency on social media has led to severe depression and suicidal thoughts. As the trial approaches, jury selection is slated to commence on Tuesday, marking a significant moment for the social media industry. Plaintiff's attorney, Matthew Bergman, emphasized the importance of this case, noting that it will be the first instance where social media giants like Meta and YouTube must defend their business practices against accusations of contributing to mental health crises in young people. Meta's CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, is anticipated to take the stand, underscoring the seriousness of these allegations. The company is expected to argue that its platforms did not cause or exacerbate K.G.M.'s mental health challenges. In a bid to distinguish itself from its counterparts, YouTube claims it operates differently from Instagram and TikTok, suggesting it should not be held to the same legal standards. Meanwhile, TikTok has remained silent on the trial but is expected to mount a defense based on its efforts to safeguard young users from addiction and related mental health issues. It is worth noting that Snap's CEO, Evan Spiegel, faced a similar lawsuit in the past, which resulted in a settlement with K.G.M. on January 20, 2026. This ongoing legal battle could shape the future of social media regulation and its impact on youth mental health.