Jurors were not unanimous as they found Meta, YouTube liable in social media addiction trial

A jury found Meta and YouTube liable Wednesday for designing products that caused harmful and addictive behavior in young users, awarding $3 million in damages to the lead plaintiff. The verdict is notable because jurors were not unanimous in reaching their decision, suggesting the case presented complex questions about corporate responsibility for social media's effects on minors. This marks a significant legal development in a growing wave of litigation targeting major tech platforms over youth mental health and addiction concerns. The case centers on whether Meta and YouTube knowingly created addictive features targeting young people, a claim the companies have disputed. The judgment could influence pending litigation against social media giants and shape how platforms design their products.