A series of lawsuits has been filed against major technology companies, including Meta (the parent company of Facebook and Instagram), Snap (Snapchat), ByteDance (TikTok), and Google (YouTube). The legal actions allege that these companies have contributed to a mental health crisis among young people by intentionally designing their platforms to be addictive for children and teenagers.
The lawsuits claim that the companies used algorithms designed to maximize user engagement, exploited psychological vulnerabilities, and did not adequately warn users or parents about the potential risks associated with excessive use. As a result, plaintiffs argue there has been an increase in anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and self-harm among young users. School districts, families, and public health systems report they have had to address the consequences.
The parties bringing these lawsuits include families filing personal injury claims on behalf of affected children, hundreds of school districts seeking compensation for increased spending on counseling and mental health services, as well as cities and states. Notably, New York City recently joined the litigation against Meta, TikTok, YouTube, and Snapchat for allegedly creating a “public nuisance” that places additional strain on schools and hospitals.
In California’s Los Angeles Superior Court, more than 1,000 cases have been coordinated. Judge Carolyn B. Kuhl recently denied summary judgment motions from Meta, Snap, TikTok, and Google. This decision allows key claims in the case to proceed. The first bellwether jury trial is scheduled for January 27, 2026. Judge Kuhl also ruled that platform design features—beyond just third-party content—may be responsible for harm caused to young users. Additionally, executives including Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, Instagram head Adam Mosseri, and Snap CEO Evan Spiegel have been ordered to testify.
According to Beasley Allen law firm: "At Beasley Allen, we believe corporations must be held accountable when their products harm the public—especially our children."
Beasley Allen attorneys Joseph VanZandt and Davis Vaughn are leading efforts in this nationwide litigation. Since 2022, the firm has filed personal injury lawsuits across the country on behalf of teenagers affected by social media addiction. They represent a coalition that includes parents, children, boards of education, and counties.
If successful, these lawsuits could result in significant financial penalties for the tech companies involved as well as reforms in how platforms are designed for minors. The ongoing litigation is being compared to previous landmark cases against tobacco companies and opioid manufacturers.