"Internal documents revealed that Meta's employees discussed how addictive design features were, with one employee stating, 'oh my gosh yall IG is a drug,' likening social media platforms to 'pushers.'"
"K.G.M. experienced 'crippling mental distress' due to her usage of the apps, developing 'severe body dysmorphia, depression, and suicidal thoughts' as a result of feeling trapped in a cycle of constant use."
"Instagram chief Adam Mosseri declined to acknowledge K.G.M.'s addiction, suggesting her usage was merely 'problematic,' while YouTube's Cristos Goodrow argued that the platform was 'not designed to maximize time.'"
A Los Angeles jury ordered Meta and YouTube to pay $3 million in damages to a young woman, K.G.M., who argued their apps were designed to addict children. Meta will pay 70% of the fine, while YouTube will pay 30%. The trial revealed that features like auto-play and infinite scroll contributed to K.G.M.'s mental distress, leading to severe body dysmorphia and suicidal thoughts. Despite evidence of addictive design, both companies attempted to deflect responsibility, claiming K.G.M.'s issues stemmed from her childhood.
Read at Ars Technica
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