A lawsuit in Los Angeles alleges that Meta (Instagram) and YouTube intentionally engineered their platforms to be addictive, leading to harm for users, particularly children. The case, which opened Monday, marks a significant moment in the debate over tech accountability for user well-being.
The Core Argument: Digital Addiction
The plaintiff, identified as K.G.M., claims she developed an addiction to YouTube and Instagram at a young age due to manipulative design features. The plaintiff’s lawyer, Mark Lanier, argued that these platforms function like “digital casinos”, employing techniques such as endless scrolling to keep users hooked. Lanier likened the constant swiping to pulling a slot machine lever, suggesting an intentional parallel to gambling psychology.
Why This Matters: A Generation Hooked
This trial is not just about one individual’s experience. It’s about a broader trend: a generation growing up in the grip of social media addiction. The lawsuit alleges that Meta and YouTube executives were aware of the addictive potential of their products but continued to develop and deploy features designed to maximize engagement, even at the cost of user health.
The Allegation: Engineered Addiction
Lanier accused the companies of deliberately creating “traps” rather than simply building apps. The lawsuit claims that the goal was not merely to attract users, but to cultivate addiction. If successful, this case could set a legal precedent, forcing tech companies to face accountability for the psychological impact of their platforms.
The trial is expected to last several weeks, with both sides presenting evidence on the design of these platforms and their effects on users. The outcome could redefine the relationship between tech companies and their responsibility to user well-being.
This lawsuit could mark a turning point in how we view social media, shifting the focus from engagement metrics to user harm. The question is whether courts will hold tech giants accountable for building platforms that prioritize addiction over health.
