The risk of social media on users has been proven in the court case with the California resident, Kaley G.M. As of March 25, 2026, the jurors concluded that Meta and Google are responsible for the women’s depression and anxiety, awarding her $6 million in a rare decision of holding Silicon Valley for its role in triggering a young mental health crisis.
A California woman, Kaley G.M, successfully sued Meta Platforms including Instagram and Google’s Youtube, accusing them of intentionally hooking her to social media and developing anxiety, body dysmorphia and suicidal thoughts,
During the trial, the jury was presented with evidence suggesting that Meta and Google were well aware of the psychological risks of their platforms directed to minors. Despite the warnings, the companies allegedly failed to implement necessary safeguards, choosing to prioritize entertainment over safety for their users.
Ultimately, Meta and Google are to pay the woman $3 million in damages to her health and an additional $3 million in punitive damages, with Meta responsible for 70% of that amount.
Legal experts believe this case will lead to more attention to hundreds other cases of pending lawsuits involving similar claims of social media induced harm.
Beyond the fines, this decision is also expected to alter how large social media companies operate as a whole after facing immense pressure to redesign its platforms for the safety of their users.
