Landmark trial could find social media companies liable for harm caused to children

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) - Closing statements began last week in a landmark trial accusing social media companies of building "addiction machines." The plaintiff, a 20-year-old woman identified as KGM in documents or Kaley, says her social media addiction as a child significantly contributed to her depression and suicidal thoughts.

"We know that it's an addiction when it begins to affect every aspect of life, like relationships and work and school," says Carolina Vasquez, local mental health expert and founder of Desert Insight, a therapy organization in Cathedral City.

The two defendants in the case are Meta and Youtube, owned by Google. Tik Tok and Snapchat were named as defendants but paid settlements before the trial began.

"It's the first case to take on social media companies and deal head on with this issue of addiction," says Dan Bolton, an attorney with Walter Clark legal group. The case is considered a bellwether trial, meaning its outcome could impact how thousands of similar lawsuits may play out.

"On the defense side, social media is contending, 'well, is this actually clinical addiction or is it just addiction in the sense that I'm just stuck on the computer for too long,'" says Bolton.

Vasquez shared key factors to look out for when it comes to social media addiction. "If you find yourself very irritable, if you're not on your phone, or are very anxious if you're not on your phone," says Vasquez. Mental health experts say if you find social media affecting your ability to be present at work, school, and other major aspects of your life, it may be time to speak with a mental health professional.