Starting on January 27, 2026, social media sites like Meta, TikTok, and YouTube will have to defend themselves in court against major claims. A 19-year-old girl and her mother are suing these companies, saying that they know their designs are addictive and bad for teens’ mental health.
After years of legal battles, the case goes to a jury in Los Angeles. The plaintiffs say that the platforms didn’t pay attention to their own research on the mental health and addiction risks for teens. This is the first time that Big Tech has to answer these kinds of charges in a full trial, not just motions to dismiss.
Lawsuits show how apps use algorithms to target kids and teens, which can lead to anxiety, depression, and sleep problems. Recent research shows that taking a week off from social media can lower depression symptoms in young adults by 24.8%. For years, experts like the U.S. Surgeon General have been warning about these risks.
If the plaintiffs win, social media could have to set age limits, add safety features, or pay fines. It sounds like other countries are trying to do the same thing, like Australia’s plan to ban people under 16 from using social media.
