A historic class-action trial that’s scheduled to begin Tuesday in California could change that. It would help tackle social media addiction lawsuits against big tech firms, like Meta. A 19-year-old woman, known in court documents as KGM, says the way social media algorithms were designed ensnared her. She feels that the addiction has taken a tremendous toll on her mental health. The trial is ongoing at this moment. It is a bold step and a big departure in how the U.S. government plans to hold technology companies accountable.
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg is likely to be among the first to testify. During an earlier sentencing hearing, he issued an emotional apology directly to KGM and other victims, who packed the courtroom to hear his statement. During his testimony, Zuckerberg asserted that the existing body of scientific research does not demonstrate a causal link between social media use and adverse mental health outcomes for young people.
The trial follows a series of lawsuits brought by dozens of U.S. states against Meta last year. Connecticut, Maryland, and various other lawsuits assert that the company engaged in deception, downplaying the dangers of social media. They further claim that the company’s conduct has contributed to a mental health crisis among young people. Second, Meta will undoubtedly contend that users experience no harm except through contact with outside entities. They will point out that the issue isn’t the platform, per se.
KGM’s case sheds light on a growing trend across the social media world. Businesses are facing increased accountability for their role in fueling addictive patterns. Last week marked Snapchat’s settlement with KGM and it is a sign that the tech industry is finally waking up to the dangers of these issues.
Legal experts have warned that the result of this upcoming trial may be precedent-setting for social media platforms. Eric Goldman, a law professor at Santa Clara University, noted that losing such cases might pose an existential threat to these firms.
“The tech industry has been given deferential treatment – I think we’re seeing that start to change.” – Mary Anne Franks
Franks, along with others, emphasizes that this trial will likely expose practices that tech companies have previously sought to keep hidden from public view.
Ongoing litigation here in the U.S. rightfully focuses on key questions surrounding minors’ use of social media. At the same time, global developments have underscored these escalating concerns. Earlier this year, Australia passed a law prohibiting social media use for people younger than 16 years of age. In January, the UK announced that it was considering implementing a similar ban.
Since its passage by Congress in 1996, Meta has continued to rely on Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act. This law provides them immunity from liability for content created by users. Public anxiety over the impacts of mental health and social media use is growing. Consequently, this patina of legal protection should no longer insulate companies from accountability.
“Unfortunately, there are all too many kids in the United States, the UK, and around the world who are suffering as KGM does because of the dangerous and addictive algorithms that the social media platforms foist on unsuspecting kids,” – Matthew Bergman
As the trial progresses, many will watch closely for how evidence is presented and whether it confirms or challenges existing narratives surrounding social media addiction. Full piece here Mary Graw Leary, got us thinking about this possible shift. She continued, “The majority of what these companies have been attempting to keep secret from the public is most likely going to be laid out in court.”
This case has the potential to be devastating for Meta. Perhaps more importantly, it would set precedents for other tech giants currently being accused of similar behavior. All of these companies are now navigating a tough new legal environment. To get there, they need to grapple with uncomfortable realities, especially around the inequitable outcomes of their work.