YouTube and Meta fined $6 million for causing user addiction

The companies plan to appeal the decision

A landmark verdict in the case against Meta and YouTube has been delivered in the United States. A jury in Los Angeles ordered the tech giants to pay $6 million to a 20-year-old plaintiff, Kayla G. M., who accused the platforms of deliberately fostering addiction.

The plaintiff stated that excessive use of social media from an early age led to the development of depression, anxiety, and body image disorder.

Following the investigation, the jury concluded that the issue lies in the very architecture of the platforms. Recommendation algorithms and the «infinite scroll» were designed to maximize user engagement. The court признало that such mechanisms intentionally cultivate addiction, posing particular risks to the still-developing minds of teenagers.

As a result, the court ordered the companies to pay $3 million in compensatory damages and an additional $3 million in punitive damages. Meta is responsible for 70% of the total, while YouTube must cover the remaining 30%.

However, the companies disagree with the ruling. Meta insists that the plaintiff’s psychological issues cannot be attributed solely to social media, without considering other life factors. Meanwhile, Google stated that YouTube is primarily a video-hosting platform, not a tool designed to create addiction. Both corporations have already announced their intention to appeal, according to Variety.

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