“A jury found Meta and YouTube negligent in the design or operation of their social media platforms, producing a bellwether verdict in the first lawsuit to take tech giants to trial for social media addiction.”

“The Los Angeles County Superior Court jury said that Meta's and YouTube's negligence were a substantial factor in causing harm to the plaintiff, identified in court by her initials, K.G.M.”

“It awarded K.G.M. $3 million in compensatory damages, finding Meta 70% responsible for harm caused to the now 20-year-old plaintiff, and YouTube responsible for 30%.”

“The trial, which began last month in a Los Angeles County courtroom and included testimony from Mark Zuckerberg and other tech executives, was the first in a consolidated group of cases brought against Meta and other companies by more than 1,600 plaintiffs, including over 350 families and over 250 school districts.”

“Families who say their children were harmed by social media embraced as they celebrated the verdict, telling reporters they feel 'vindicated.'”

“Spokespeople for Meta and Google said the companies disagree with the verdict and plan to appeal.”

“Meta's spokesperson said teen mental health is profoundly complex and cannot be linked to a single app.”

“Google's spokesperson asserted that YouTube is a responsibly built streaming platform, not a social media site.”

“K.G.M.'s lead counsel stated the verdict is a historic moment for thousands of children and their families.”

“The jury decided on $2.1 million in punitive damages for Meta and $900,000 for YouTube, totaling $3 million.”

“Matt Bergman stated the verdict establishes a framework for evaluating similar cases and shows juries are willing to hold tech companies accountable.”

“California Attorney General Rob Bonta mentioned California's upcoming August trial against Meta in the Bay Area.”

“K.G.M. testified that her nearly nonstop use of social media caused or contributed to depression, anxiety and body dysmorphia.”

“A New Mexico jury found Meta liable for failing to protect children from online predators and sexual exploitation on Facebook and Instagram.”

“YouTube's attorney stated there wasn't a single mention of addiction to that platform in K.G.M.'s medical records.”

“The jury deliberated for nearly 44 hours over nine days before reaching a verdict.”

“Jurors struggled to reach a consensus on one defendant during deliberations.”

“The New Mexico jury ordered Meta to pay $375 million in civil penalties for violating consumer protection laws.”

“TikTok and Snap reached settlements before the trial and remain defendants in similar lawsuits expected to go to trial this year.”

“K.G.M.'s lawsuit was the first civil action seeking to hold the platforms accountable for allegedly causing addiction and mental health problems.”

“K.G.M. testified she felt she wanted to constantly be on the platforms and feared missing out if she wasn't.”

“K.G.M. was a minor at the time of the incidents outlined in her lawsuit.”

“Meta's attorneys argued K.G.M.'s 'profound challenges' weren't caused by social media and pointed to 'significant emotional and physical abuse' she experienced when she was younger.”

“Social media companies have historically been shielded by Section 230 of the Communications Act of 1934.”