Fastcompany·2026-01-27 13:45Core Argument - Three major tech companies, Meta, ByteDance, and Google, are facing a landmark trial in Los Angeles over allegations that their platforms intentionally addict and harm children [1] Group 1: Trial Details - Jury selection for the trial begins this week, marking the first time these companies will present their case before a jury, which could significantly impact their operations regarding child users [2] - The trial is expected to last six to eight weeks, with executives, including Meta's CEO Mark Zuckerberg, anticipated to testify [6] Group 2: Lawsuit Background - The case centers around a 19-year-old plaintiff, KGM, whose experiences with social media are claimed to have led to addiction, depression, and suicidal thoughts, suggesting that the companies designed their platforms to be addictive for profit [3][4] - The lawsuit argues that the companies employed behavioral techniques similar to those used in gambling and tobacco industries to maximize youth engagement and advertising revenue [5] Group 3: Company Responses and Broader Implications - The tech companies dispute the allegations, asserting that they have implemented numerous safeguards and are not liable for third-party content on their platforms [7] - Meta has stated that attributing teen mental health issues solely to social media oversimplifies a complex problem, highlighting various factors affecting youth today [8] - This case is part of a broader trend, with over 40 state attorneys general filing lawsuits against Meta for allegedly contributing to the youth mental health crisis through their platform designs [10]