Source: Fortune
Summary
A Los Angeles jury has ruled in favor of a 20-year-old woman, known as Kaley or KGM, in a landmark case against Meta and Google, finding that the “addictive design” of Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube contributed to her mental health problems. The jury awarded $3 million in damages, which may increase as they consider punitive damages. The case sets a precedent in thousands of similar lawsuits and may force Silicon Valley to rethink its features that keep users engaged. Meta and Google plan to appeal the verdict.
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The jury’s decision puts legal weight behind the concept of tech addiction, which Big Tech has long tried to dismiss. The case highlights the intense debate about the harmfully addictive nature of modern tech. Meta and Google were found negligent in the design or operation of their platforms. The verdict may lead to a “Big Tobacco moment” for the tech industry. The plaintiff, KGM, and others like her are seeking help for tech addiction at specialized rehab centers.
The announcement sounds familiar: tech companies are in the business of attention, and their products are designed to foster addiction.
