Meta avoids Los Angeles trial as Florida teen withdraws social‑media addiction lawsuit

A 15‑year‑old Florida teen, identified only by the initials R. K. C., withdrew his lawsuit against Meta just days before a scheduled bellwether trial in Los Angeles. The case was meant to test claims that Meta’s platforms were designed to be addictive and had caused the teen’s depression, anxiety and sleep loss. Other defendants – YouTube, TikTok and Snap – had already reached confidential settlements, leaving Meta as the sole remaining defendant.

The teen’s attorneys said, “In light of the overall successful result of the litigation and his concerns about enduring a grueling weeks‑long trial, he has elected to withdraw his claims against Meta.” Meta stated the claim “never held up” and that the plaintiff received no payment. The withdrawal is a partial victory for Meta amid more than 3,000 similar lawsuits filed across the United States. Earlier rulings have already ordered Meta to pay $6 million in damages in a March Los Angeles trial and $375 million in penalties in a New Mexico case.

The case was the second pilot trial selected to guide resolution of the wider wave of litigation accusing social‑media companies of harming youth mental health.