Jury directs Meta and Google to compensate woman $3 million in lawsuit over social media dependency

Jury Holds Meta and Google Liable in Youth Mental Health Case

A jury in California has determined that Meta and Google are responsible for the depression and anxiety experienced by a woman who began excessive social media use as a young child. In a significant decision, the jury awarded her $3 million in compensation, assigning 70% of the financial responsibility—$2.1 million—to Meta. The verdict also found that both companies' conduct warrants punitive damages, prompting an additional phase in the trial to address further penalties.