A 19-year-old California woman, referred to as Kaley G.M. in court, took the stand on February 25, 2026, in a landmark Los Angeles Superior Court trial accusing Meta (Instagram) and YouTube of designing addictive platforms that fueled her depression, body dysmorphic disorder, and suicidal thoughts.
Plaintiff’s Explosive Testimony
Kaley began using YouTube at age 6 and Instagram at 9, testifying that endless scrolls, autoplay videos, and “like” buttons hooked her like a digital casino. Her lawyers cited Meta’s internal studies showing teens in tough situations used Instagram compulsively, with beauty filters warping self-image and algorithms prioritizing engagement over well-being.
She seeks damages for negligence, arguing companies knew the risks to youth but prioritized profits.
Tech Giants’ Fierce Defense
Meta’s attorney countered that Kaley’s issues stem from childhood abuse and family trauma, not apps—claiming social media provided an escape. Both firms deny addiction claims, insisting no scientific proof links their tools to harm and highlighting safety features like parental controls.
YouTube and Meta face jury scrutiny on whether features caused her conditions versus offline factors or user content.
Trial’s High Stakes Context
This bellwether follows TikTok and Snapchat settlements; it’s the first of hundreds testing “tech tobacco” theory against addictive design. Attorneys for 1,600+ plaintiffs (350 families, 250 schools) demand redesigns and compensation, potentially forcing CEO testimony.
