October 30, 2026
Meta, TikTok & YouTube Settle Ahead of Trial
For the second time this year, social media companies are facing a jury trial over claims that their apps were designed to hook children and teens. Jury selection began in Los Angeles Superior Court on October 28, 2026, with opening statements scheduled for November 4. This time, Snap, the company behind Snapchat, is the defendant. The trial is expected to run through mid-December. It’s the latest sign that social media addiction lawsuits are not isolated complaints; they are serious claims that courts are sending to juries.
Two Teens, Two Sets of Claims
The case combines lawsuits from two teenagers identified in court papers by their initials. S.J. is a 16-year-old from Illinois, and K.D.B. is an 18-year-old from Mississippi. According to Reuters, both say they began using YouTube as early as age 3 or 4, and other platforms around age 9.
S.J.’s attorneys say she started using Snapchat at a young age. They allege that features like Snap Streaks, Snap Scores, filters, and push notifications drove compulsive use. That use, they say, contributed to her depression, anxiety, eating disorder, and self-harm. K.D.B. says her use of Instagram and Snapchat from a young age also contributed to mental health issues and self-harm.
Both plaintiffs originally sued Meta, Snap, TikTok, and YouTube in 2023. Settlements were reached ahead of trial for both plaintiffs against TikTok, YouTube, and most recently, Meta. The trial now focuses on both plaintiffs’ claims against Snap.
Why This Trial Matters
This is the first time Snap has faced a jury in a social media addiction lawsuit. The plaintiffs’ lead trial counsel told CBS News it will also be the first time the public sees some of Snap’s internal documents.
The trial comes after a landmark verdict earlier this year. In March, a Los Angeles jury found Meta and YouTube negligent in the first social media addiction trial and awarded a young woman $6 million in damages.
The stakes reach the top of the company. Snap CEO Evan Spiegel is expected to testify following an unsuccessful attempt by the company to keep him off the stand. And these two survivors are far from alone: thousands of similar lawsuits are pending across the country, accusing social media companies of building addictive features and misleading families about the risks.
Does Your Family Have a Case?
If you or your child used social media heavily as a minor and struggled with depression, anxiety, an eating disorder, self-harm, or other mental health harms, you may have a claim. These lawsuits focus on platform design features, including endless feeds, autoplay, streaks, and notifications.
Gibbs Mura’s attorneys have been closely involved in social media addiction lawsuits and understand the evidence these cases depend on. We can review your situation and explain your options at no cost and with no obligation.