Meta appeals $6 million verdict in social media addiction lawsuit

Meta, the parent company of Instagram and Facebook, filed a notice of appeal in Los Angeles County Superior Court after a jury found the firm and Google‑owned YouTube negligent for designing their platforms to hook young users. The California jury awarded the plaintiff, identified as 20‑year‑old Kaley (initials KGM), $3 million in damages and $3 million in punitive damages.

Meta’s spokesperson said teen mental health is “profoundly complex and cannot be linked to a single app.” Google’s spokesperson indicated YouTube will also appeal. Both companies had previously sought post‑trial motions for judgment notwithstanding the verdict, which the trial judge denied. The case follows a New Mexico jury verdict a day earlier that held Meta liable for harms to children’s mental health and imposed a $375 million penalty. Legal experts say the outcomes could shape thousands of similar lawsuits alleging social‑media platforms cause addiction and mental‑health issues.