K. G. M.

K.G.M. is a woman in her twenties who initiated a lawsuit against Meta (Instagram) and Alphabet (YouTube/Google) alleging that their platforms caused her addiction as a minor, leading to depression and anxiety. She began using Instagram at age nine. The case, heard in Los Angeles, California, is newsworthy because a jury found Meta and Alphabet liable for negligence in designing their platforms in a way that promotes addiction in children and adolescents. This verdict marks a significant turning point in the debate surrounding the responsibility of large technology companies for the impact of their products on young users. The jury's decision is considered a landmark ruling and sends important signals regarding the accountability of tech companies for the potential harm caused by social media addiction in minors. The outcome of the case highlights the growing concerns about the mental health effects of social media on young people and could pave the way for similar lawsuits in the future.