Plaintiff Testifies in US Trial Alleging Harm from Social Media Addiction
In Brief
A 20-year-old woman testified in a landmark US trial alleging harm from social media addiction.
Key Facts
- A 20-year-old plaintiff, identified as KGM, testified in a US trial against Meta and YouTube.
- Psychologist Jonathan Haidt discussed alleged risks of social media addiction to child development.
- The trial is part of broader legal actions alleging social media platforms are designed to be addictive.
- KGM claims her use of Instagram and YouTube began before age 10 and caused depression and body dysmorphia.
- Tech companies Meta and Google deny allegations that their platforms intentionally cause harm to minors.
What Happened
A 20-year-old woman, known as KGM, testified in a Los Angeles trial against Meta and YouTube, alleging their platforms caused her addiction and mental health issues starting in childhood. Psychologist Jonathan Haidt and other experts discussed potential risks to minors from social media use.
Why It Matters
This trial is seen as a landmark case in ongoing global scrutiny of social media's impact on youth. Its outcome may influence future regulations and lawsuits regarding tech companies' responsibility for alleged harms to children and teens.
Sources
- Japan Times — Social media addiction trial takes new turn with therapist's testimony (18h ago)
- The Guardian — Twenty-year-old testifies at US trial about harm from social media addiction(1d ago)
- CBS News — Psychologist discusses landmark social media addiction trial and risks of child development(8h ago)