1 week ago
Teen Drops Social Media Addiction Lawsuit Before October Trial
A teenage girl sued companies that run several popular social media apps.
She said the apps helped cause addiction, depression and self-harm.
The companies included Meta, Google and Snap.
She decided to end her remaining claims before the case went to trial.
The companies said she did not receive money for dropping them.
TikTok had already settled its part of the case.
Her lawyer said she originally wanted safer online experiences for young people.
Two other similar cases are still expected to go to trial, while an earlier case produced large verdicts against Meta and Google.
A 15-year-old girl identified as P. M-Y. withdrew claims against Meta, Google and Snap.
She alleged Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and Snapchat contributed to addiction, depression and self-harm.
The companies said she dropped the claims without payment; TikTok had previously settled.
Her attorney said she sought accountability and stronger protections before choosing to move on.
Two similar teen cases remain scheduled for October amid mixed results in related litigation.
- Who
- A 15-year-old girl identified in California court records as P. M-Y.; Meta Platforms, Google, Snap Inc. and previously TikTok.
- What
- The plaintiff dismissed her claims that social media platforms contributed to addiction, depression and self-harm.
- Where
- The claims were part of more than 3,300 personal injury cases consolidated in California state court in Los Angeles. The articles identify the plaintiff as being from New Jersey, although one headline describes her as being in California.
- When
- The dismissal was filed on Thursday, weeks before the case was scheduled for trial in October.
- Why
- Her attorney said she wanted to resume her life after seeking accountability and stronger protections for young people; the companies said the claims were dropped without payment.
Plaintiff’s allegations
Companies’ positions
Platform design and youth harm
Plaintiff’s allegations
The lawsuit alleged that the companies designed features that encouraged addiction and contributed to the plaintiff’s depression and self-harm.
Companies’ positions
The companies denied the allegations and said they take extensive steps to keep teens and young users safe.
Reason for dismissal
Plaintiff’s allegations
The plaintiff’s attorney said she sought accountability and stronger protections for young people but chose to resume her life instead of continuing the case.
Companies’ positions
The companies said the claims were withdrawn without payment or settlement.
Mental-health history
Plaintiff’s allegations
The lawsuit alleged that social media contributed to the plaintiff’s addiction, depression and self-harm.
Companies’ positions
Meta said the plaintiff had a significant mental-health condition that predated her social-media use and said many cases followed a similar pattern.
Key facts
- Plaintiff
- A 15-year-old girl identified in court records as P. M-Y.; the articles describe her as being from New Jersey.
- Defendants dismissed
- Meta Platforms, Google and Snap Inc.
- Platforms cited
- Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and Snapchat.
- TikTok status
- TikTok had previously settled the plaintiff’s claims.
- Consolidated litigation
- More than 3,300 personal injury cases were consolidated in California state court in Los Angeles.
- Remaining bellwether cases
- Two other teen cases involving similar claims are scheduled for trial in October.
- Earlier verdicts
- An individual trial resulted in $4.2 million against Meta and $1.8 million against Google.
Quotes
Meta spokesperson
Representative of Meta Platforms
“"This plaintiff had a significant mental health condition that pre‑dated her use of social media, and it's clear that many of these cases fit the same pattern."”
NDTV
“She "initiated this process with the goal of holding social media companies accountable and to push for changes to protect young people like herself."”
firstpost.com
NDTV
Sources
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