this post was submitted on 09 Feb 2026
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Lawyers set to argue that Instagram and YouTube intentionally addicted and harmed teen in landmark social media trial (lite.cnn.com)
submitted 12 hours ago* (last edited 12 hours ago) by Beep@lemmus.org to c/technology@lemmy.world
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Lawyers for a now-20-year-old woman are arguing that addictive features harmed her mental health in opening statements in a landmark trial against Meta and YouTube, the first of hundreds of similar cases to go to trial.

The plaintiff — identified by her first name, Kaley, or her initials, KGM — and her mother accused the tech companies of intentionally creating addictive platforms that caused her to develop anxiety, body dysmorphia and suicidal thoughts. Lawyers for Meta and YouTube have indicated they will argue that a difficult family life, not social media, was responsible for her mental health challenges.

Speaking on Monday in front of a jury in state court in Los Angeles, Kaley’s lawyer Mark Lanier called social media apps like YouTube and Instagram “digital casinos,” saying the app’s “endless scroll feature” creates dopamine hits that can lead to addiction.

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[–] vrek@programming.dev 2 points 8 hours ago (1 children)

This is a case where I wish we didn't have a "jury of peers". Most people don't even know dompemine is a thing or it's effects. Most people don't know the effects a disfunctional family can cause.

No, I don't understand them completely either. There are experts in these fields who have done valid research and run well documented studies to better understand these topics. They are who should determine this. No YouTube videos or a blog post don't count. I mean actual real studies that stand up to scientific rigor.

I feel that YouTube/facebook played a part. But I want that to be true due to my inherit bias. I have no data or numbers to back that up. Experts probably do. There have likely been done studies about these things.

I know know there is a thing called a Skinner box but that was over 50 years ago and I'm sure we know more. That said I'd bet the average person on the street doesn't even know that and shouldn't be determining this case.

Ask your McDonald's worker for something to release some dopamine after a long work day, based on their answer do you want them setting precedent on this topic?

[–] jnod4@lemmy.ca 4 points 8 hours ago (1 children)

Experts get bought, don't forget smoking was healthy and prescribed for quite a long time

[–] vrek@programming.dev 1 points 7 hours ago

True, nothing is perfect.

If I need a life saving operation and given the choice of a Harvard graduate at random or a random person in time Square... I know who I would choose

OK the person from time square but that's probably just my depression speaking.