Full Breakdown
Meta and Snap Face U.S. Trial Over Alleged Youth Social-Media Addiction
By Drooid · · How we work
In this breakdown
01
The Upcoming Trial in Los Angeles
On Oct 28, 2026, jury selection begins in Los Angeles Superior Court for the case alleging Meta Platforms and Snap engineered features to addict teenagers. Plaintiffs are two teenage girls identified as S.J., 16, of Illinois, and K.D.B., 18, of Mississippi. They claim autoplay, infinite scroll, “Snapstreaks,” push notifications and view counts led to compulsive use, depression, anxiety, eating disorders and self-harm.
02
Background & Context
The suit follows a March 2026 trial where a jury awarded $6 million after finding Meta and YouTube negligent. That verdict spurred more than 3,000 consolidated lawsuits in Los Angeles and over 3,800 pending nationwide. In August 2026, Meta settled with 48 states for up to $18 billion, agreeing to time limits, disabled filters and hidden like counts, without admitting wrongdoing.
03
Key Figures & Groups
- Mark Zuckerberg – CEO of Meta, expected to testify.
- Evan Spiegel – CEO of Snap, expected to testify.
- Adam Mosseri – Head of Instagram, expected to testify.
- Emily Jeffcott – Attorney for the Mississippi plaintiff.
- Judge Carolyn Kuhl – Presiding judge, considering separating the two cases.
04
Data & Statistics
- $6 million – damages awarded in the March 2026 trial.
- $18 billion – maximum settlement amount Meta agreed to pay states.
- >3,000 – lawsuits consolidated in Los Angeles.
- >3,800 – total lawsuits pending nationwide.
- 48 – states that participated in the August settlement.
05
Official Statements & Responses
Meta’s spokesperson said the company disagrees with the allegations and points to “Teen Accounts,” time-limit settings, night-time restrictions and disabled notifications during school hours. The spokesperson also noted the Mississippi plaintiff used TikTok more than Instagram or Facebook.
Snap’s spokesperson argued that Snapchat opens to a camera rather than a feed and that it has incorporated safeguards, saying the lawsuit misrepresents the platform’s design.
Attorney Emily Jeffcott said the trial will educate the jury about the dangers of endless feeds, autoplay and streak features.
06
Criticism & Opposition
Consumer-advocacy groups and mental-health professionals have warned that algorithmic design can exacerbate anxiety and depression among teens. The broader legal push reflects opposition to industry practices that prioritize engagement over well-being.
07
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
08
What’s Next
The trial will run for several weeks after jury selection. Meta and Snap have asked Judge Kuhl to split the plaintiffs’ cases, arguing combined proceedings could confuse jurors; a decision is pending. The verdict could influence the strategy of the remaining lawsuits and industry standards for teen-safety features, with appeals expected on the Section 230 issue.