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Snapchat confirmed on Wednesday that it reached an agreement to settle a U.S. civil lawsuit accusing the platform, along with Meta, TikTok, and YouTube, of fostering social media addiction among young users.
A jury trial is scheduled to commence next week in Los Angeles. This case is considered a “bellwether” trial because its outcome could influence numerous similar lawsuits across the country. Many of these cases are coordinated by the Social Media Victims Law Center, an organization dedicated to holding social media companies accountable for harm caused to minors online.
Both Snap Inc. and the Social Media Victims Law Center expressed satisfaction in resolving the matter amicably, without revealing details about the settlement.
While major tech companies assert that federal law protects them from liability for user-generated content, plaintiffs argue that their business models—designed to maximize user engagement—intentionally promote content detrimental to mental health. These lawsuits allege that social media platforms are responsible for addiction that has led to depression, eating disorders, psychiatric hospitalization, and even suicide among youth.
Snap CEO Evan Spiegel was expected to testify at the trial, along with other senior executives such as Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg.
A spokesperson for the law center stated in a video that platform owners should be held responsible for the risks associated with social media use.
The upcoming trial in Los Angeles accuses social media algorithms of addicting a 19-year-old woman, contributing to severe mental health issues. The proceeding before Judge Carolyn Kuhl is scheduled for early February, pending jury selection.
In addition to this case, lawsuits alleging social media practices that compromise the safety of young users are moving through federal courts in Northern California and other state courts nationwide.
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