A landmark U.S. jury verdict has been reached in a high‑profile case accusing Meta and Google of contributing to youth addiction on their social media platforms. After weeks of testimony in Los Angeles, the jury found both tech giants liable for harms caused to young users, marking one of the first times courts have held platform design choices-like infinite scroll and autoplay-directly responsible for mental health damage. Plaintiffs argued that features engineered to maximize engagement were known to keep children hooked and that warnings were insufficient. Meta has been ordered to pay a larger share of the damages, while Google was also held responsible, though both companies say they will appeal the decision. Legal experts say the ruling could set a major precedent for hundreds of similar lawsuits across the United States, potentially reshaping how social media platforms are designed and regulated. Industry groups warn it may lead to costly changes in features and operations, while advocates for digital safety say the verdict is long overdue. As both sides prepare for the next legal steps, the case underscores growing scrutiny of Big Tech and questions about responsibility, youth mental health, and the future of online platforms.
