A jury has ruled in favor of a young plaintiff named Kaley in a landmark case against Meta and Google.
The verdict, delivered on March 25, 2026, found the tech giants liable for designing addictive platforms that caused mental health harm.
>>> Screwworm Threatens US Wildlife and Livestock as Scientists Warn of Spread
Kaley was awarded $6 million in damages. Her attorney, Mark Lanier, called the case unprecedented and described it as a "holy war."
He argued that Meta and Google intentionally designed their platforms to keep users engaged, leading to mental health deterioration.
Kaley testified about her compulsive social media use, stating she was on it "from the moment I woke up to the moment I went to bed."
She developed anxiety and body dysmorphia linked to her online experiences.
Lanier faced significant challenges due to the vast resources of the tech giants, which he likened to a modern-day David versus Goliath scenario.
He used AI to gain insights into jurors' preferences during the trial.
>>> ESPN Analyst Matt Miller Takes Indefinite Leave After Car Crash, Amputation
On the day of the verdict, Lanier expressed pride in the outcome, emphasizing the importance of holding tech companies accountable.
He said, "I get 12 ordinary people, and they’re empowered. And when they hear that evidence...
they can do something."
Appeal and Precedent
Despite the victory, Meta and Google have announced plans to appeal the verdict.
Kaley expressed hope that her case would pave the way for others similarly affected by social media.
As reported by The Guardian, this case may set a precedent for thousands of similar lawsuits against social media companies.
>>> Learning a New Language Can Slow Brain Aging by Up to 13 Years
The jury's decision marks a significant step in holding tech giants accountable for the mental health impacts of their platforms.
