Jury orders Meta and Google to pay woman $3 million in social media addiction trial

"This verdict is bigger than one case. For years, social media companies have profited from targeting children while concealing their addictive and dangerous design features. Today's verdict is a referendum from a jury, to an entire industry that accountability has arrived."

"The jury concluded that Meta and Google should pay the woman $3 million in compensatory damages, with Meta on the hook for 70% of that amount."

A California jury held Meta and Google accountable for a woman's depression and anxiety linked to her childhood social media use, awarding her $3 million in damages. Meta is responsible for 70% of the amount. The jury's decision also opens the door for punitive damages in a subsequent trial phase. This verdict signifies a broader accountability for social media companies regarding their impact on youth mental health. A Meta spokesperson expressed disagreement with the verdict, while Google did not respond immediately.

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