Meta’s Internal Messages Could Seal Fate in Social Media Addiction Trial
In a pivotal legal battle that could reshape the future of social media, Meta’s internal messages are under scrutiny in a trial focused on social media addiction. The court has allowed an expert’s testimony regarding the design features of TikTok and other platforms, which is considered crucial to determining whether these features contribute to psychological harm in minors.
Expert Testimony and Jury Considerations
Judge Kuhl has instructed that the jury will assess expert opinions, emphasizing that causation must ultimately be determined by them. While most experts retained their opportunity to present findings, one psychologist’s testimony was excluded due to qualifications. The testimony will include insights from Dr. Bagot, highlighting how design features on social media could lead to significant psychological issues.
- Dr. Bagot argues that social media overuse may cause or worsen conditions in youth, such as:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Eating disorders
- Internalizing and externalizing symptoms
Focus on Meta’s Internal Safety Studies
Another key witness is Bejar, a former consultant for Meta, who will discuss the company’s internal safety studies. His testimony will explore how certain design flaws on Meta’s platforms may pose risks to minors. Key issues he will address include:
- Age verification processes
- Reporting mechanisms
- Beauty filters
- Public like counts
- Infinite scroll features
- Default privacy settings
- Ephemeral content and messaging systems
- Connections between minors and adult users
Potential Implications of the Trial
If the plaintiff, K.G.M., can persuade the jury that harm stems not from the platforms’ inability to remove harmful content but from intentional design choices aimed at engaging young users, this case may set a precedent. Legal expert Bergman remarked that K.G.M.’s experience reflects a common struggle for many children in America, significantly influenced by social media’s design.
This trial could lead to broader implications for the social media industry, potentially prompting mass settlements in similar cases. The outcome may redefine accountability for psychological impacts linked to social media usage.
