"At the core of the case is a 19-year-old identified only by the initials "KGM," whose case could determine how thousands of other, similar lawsuits against social media companies will play out. She and two other plaintiffs have been selected for bellwether trials - essentially test cases for both sides to see how their arguments play out before a jury and what damages, if any, may be awarded, said Clay Calvert, a nonresident senior fellow of technology policy studies at the American Enterprise Institute."
"It's the first time the companies will argue their case before a jury, and the outcome could have profound effects on their businesses and how they will handle children using their platforms. KGM claims that her use of social media from an early age addicted her to the technology and exacerbated depression and suicidal thoughts. Importantly, the lawsuit claims that this was done through deliberate design choices made by companies that sought to make their platforms more addictive to children to boost profits."
Major social media companies face landmark trials alleging platforms deliberately addict and harm children. Meta's Instagram and Google's YouTube face claims that design choices targeted children to boost engagement and profits, while TikTok and Snap reached undisclosed settlements. Bellwether trials center on a 19-year-old identified as KGM and two other plaintiffs to test legal theories and potential damages before juries. Plaintiffs allege addiction, worsened depression, and suicidal thoughts caused by platform designs. If plaintiffs prevail, legal protections such as the First Amendment and Section 230 could be circumvented, potentially reshaping platform policies and company liabilities regarding children.
Read at NBC Los Angeles
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