Jury Holds Google, Meta Liable for Damages in Social Media Addiction Case

Los Angeles Jury Awards Plaintiff $6 Million in Damages After Finding Meta, Google Liable for Getting Young Users Addicted

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA (March 30, 2026) – A jury has found Meta and Google liable for damages in a landmark social media addiction case where the plaintiff was awarded $6 million in damages.

Meadow was ordered to pay 70% of the awarded damages, while Google was instructed to pay the remaining 30% of the damages. This came to a total of $3 million.

Just a few hours later, the jury also ordered Meta to pay an additional $2.1 million in punitive damages. Google was also required to pay an additional $900,000 in punitive damages.

The tech platforms were accused of designing their products to get young users addicted. This is just one case among thousands that are currently in litigation in the Los Angeles Superior Court.

Jurors found that the companies acted with “malice, oppression, or fraud.” A spokesperson for Meta said that the company is currently evaluating their legal options.

The plaintiff in this case said that the social media platforms encouraged addicted use of the platform. She also said that her use of the products contributed to her depression and suicidal thoughts.

Liability for Social Media Addiction

Meta, the parent company of Facebook, and Google have continued to grow by leaps and bounds. A large portion of this growth has been driven by engineers who have designed these tech products to be as engaging as possible. Attorneys litigating cases against these tech companies have argued that engineers for the companies intentionally designed them to have addictive features, including infinite scroll, auto-play, and algorithmic reinforcement. This was done while knowing there was a foreseeable risk of psychological harm, particularly to minor children. According to recent lawsuits, tech companies can be liable for the harm their products cause on several grounds.

• Ignored Warnings: Tech companies ignored internal warnings about the mental health consequences of their products.
• Algorithms: Tech companies created addictive products through algorithmic amplification.
• Safe Alternatives: Tech companies chose not to use safer alternatives.
• Failure to Warn: Tech companies failed to warn consumers about the addiction and mental health risks associated with their products.

Plaintiffs have gained traction in recent years by targeting how Google and Meta have designed their products, as opposed to the specific content on those products. There have been numerous whistleblowers in recent years who have warned about the addictive nature of social media. According to Frances Haugen, a whistleblower and former Facebook employee, “I think what I did that helped move the needle was providing proof that they [Facebook] had been hiding evidence. Once that was established, it became possible for people to use the court system to get the rest of the evidence out there.” She is not alone in her assessment.

Steps to Take If You’re Addicted to Social Media

Meta and Google are just some of several companies facing lawsuits related to harm caused by their social media products. According to The Guardian, “A long-awaited series of trials kicks off in Los Angeles superior court on Tuesday, in which hundreds of US families will allege that Meta, Snap, TikTok and YouTube’s platforms harm children. Once young people are hooked, the plaintiffs allege, they fall prey to depression, eating disorders, self-harm and other mental health issues. Approximately 1,600 plaintiffs are included in the proceedings, involving more than 350 families and 250 school districts.” Several actions should be taken if anyone has been harmed by their addiction to social media.

• Diagnosis: Victims should seek a medical diagnosis and treatment from a healthcare professional.
• Evidence: Any evidence related to their condition should be documented and preserved.
• Legal Evaluation: Victims should consider their legal options with a team experienced in product liability claims.

It can be hard to know where to begin after being harmed by any type of addictive product or substance. Tech companies will virtually never accept responsibility for any harm caused by their products. They are more likely to blame external factors or other third parties.

However, the harm and addictive nature of certain social media platforms have been well documented. Any person who has had their mental health seriously impacted by social media may be able to pursue some measure of accountability through a civil claim. A product liability attorney can examine the unique facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.

Investigating Social Media Addiction Claims

We at Samer Habbas & Associates PC were pleased to hear about the outcome of this case against Meta and Google. The time for accountability and transparency is long overdue. These companies have chosen to prioritize making as much money as possible at the same time that many children and adults have been harmed by their products.

Have you or a loved one suffered from depression or suicidal thoughts linked to a diagnosed social media addiction? You may have legal recourse. Our team of product liability attorneys is here for you. We care deeply that victims are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at 949-727-9300.