The case, which began this week, is one of several test trials that could determine whether courts will hold big technology firms accountable for harm allegedly suffered by underage users. A ruling against the companies could result in significant financial penalties and operational changes.
In opening statements, plaintiffs’ lawyer Mark Lanier accused Meta and Google of “engineering addiction in children’s brains,” calling the case “as easy as ABC,” which he said stands for “addicting the brains of children.”
Lanier argued that both companies deliberately designed features to keep young users hooked because addiction drives profits. He described Meta and Google as among the richest corporations in history that prioritized user engagement over children’s wellbeing.
He pointed to three features he claimed fuel addictive behavior: infinite scrolling, referred to as the “endless ride”; the like button, which he called a “chemical high five” reinforcing minors’ need for validation; and body image filters, described as a “funhouse mirror” that promotes unrealistic self-images.
The trial is expected to include testimony from more than 1,500 individuals across multiple cases related to social media addiction and child mental health.
Meta’s lawyer, Paul Schmidt, countered that there is no scientific consensus that social media addiction exists. He also argued that the mental health challenges of the 20-year-old plaintiff, identified as KGM, were caused by factors unrelated to social media use.
Google also rejected the allegations, with spokesperson Jose Castaneda stating that the company has consistently worked to provide safer and age-appropriate experiences for young users.
