“It’s Not Addiction”: Social Media Powerhouses Face Juries in Landmark Trial

On February 18, 2026, Meta founder and chief executive Mark Zuckerberg began testifying in the now-infamous landmark social media trial rooted in protecting American youth against dangerously addictive algorithms that may be specifically targeting adolescents. This follows a pattern of similar trials against these major corporations since 2025 and throughout 2026, largely targeting Meta platforms. Though Zuckerberg is only now testifying, the lawsuit has been a topic of media attention for months since platforms TikTok and Snap, which were originally named in the case, settled for undisclosed sums in January 2026, predating the trial. 

The lawsuit is led by now-20-year-old California resident “KGM”, who is identified only by these initials. KGM became addicted to social media as a young girl while she was already struggling with mental health concerns such as depression, anxiety, and general suicidal ideation. She alleges that excessive use of social media platforms exacerbated these effects, and that these corporations intentionally designed them to be both addictive in this capacity and harmful to youth psychological stability. Specific features under inspection in the case include push notifications, infinite scroll, and user-tailored algorithms, which have each been speculated to “hook” young users. 

During his testimony on February 18, Zuckerberg expressed his continued concurrence and seemingly unbacked claim that no existing body of scientific work has proven the connection between social media, specifically Meta platforms, and mental health risks. When asked by Mark Lanier, the plaintiff’s attorney, if people generally “use something more if it’s addictive”, Zuckerberg replied, “I’m not sure what to say to that. I don’t think that applies here”. Lanier continued to question the CEO about Meta’s compliance and capitalization on vulnerable users and their digital habits. Toward the beginning of the trial, Lanier gave Zuckerberg an ultimatum concerning how his platform responds to users in crisis, asking if Meta would help, ignore, or “prey upon them and use them for [Meta’s] own ends”. Zuckerberg alleged that the latter option is not what a “reasonable company” would do, and that companies should instead “try to help the people that use its services”. 

Other than Meta, the only remaining defendant in the case is Google’s YouTube, which has centered its case around distinguishing its platform from that of Meta applications, TikTok, and Snap, as only 10% of all YouTube watch time is spent on its short-term feed, YouTube Shorts. In court, YouTube’s attorney made the claim that “it’s not social media addiction if it’s not social media and it’s not an addiction”. Despite this, KGM’s testimony, which Lanier has shared, clearly states that YouTube is a major perpetrator of the mental detriments caused by social media that KGM faced through adolescence, as KGM began using YouTube at only six years old, posting nearly 300 videos on the platform by the time she graduated elementary school. 

Lanier’s claim that these major corporations will “try to blame the little girl and her parents for the trap they built” has proven to be accurate thus far, as YouTube refuses to take accountability, and Zuckerberg simply stands by previous apologies without making any major changes in his platform’s algorithms. Fortunately for KGM and the millions of other individuals like her who have faced these same negative experiences, if either of these corporations loses in court, they could be charged with major damages and be forced to systemically change their algorithms. The trial consists of nearly 1,600 consolidated lawsuits, setting the stage for how future liability lawsuits may be handled by technological and social media companies. With lawyers presenting evidence such as the “digital casino” argument (social platforms knowingly use addictive features, mirroring a casino), as well as the media largely comparing the case to the 1990’s lawsuit against Big Tobacco, major industry regulations and massive payouts have a relatively high likelihood. 

Extemp Analysis by: Jana Schodzinski

Question: To what extent will the KGM lawsuit serve as a landmark case for social media liabilities? 

AGD: Either a narrative AGD detailing the plight of KGM and other children on social media or a humorous AGD satirizing the social media atmosphere would fit a question on this topic. Choose whichever type suits your individual strengths as a speaker more!

Background: Though this is by far the most notable case holding major social media platforms accountable for their addictive properties and their effects on youth mental health, but the history of other liability lawsuits involving Meta are necessary to understanding this case. Additionally, include when KGB’s claims were made public, as well as recent updates to the case and when it is set to be settled. 

Answer: Of course, depending on your personal values and principles, your answer will differ. Considering my own set of beliefs, my answer and three points may look something like:

Thesis: The KGM lawsuit will serve as the biggest landmark social media liability case thus far, as it has the potential to set new legal precedents that will define similar cases for decades to come. 

1. User-Generated Content

2. Algorithmic Designs and Features

3. The Extent of Legal Immunities

Analysis + Concluding Thoughts: Considering that this is an evaluative question, expectation/verification substructure will work the best for your speech. Remember to stay updated on the most recent updates to the case, as it will be ongoing for the next eight weeks. You got this!

Read More Here:

• Aidan Williams, Los Angeles Magazine

• Kali Hays and Natalie Sherman, BBC

• Bobby Allyn, NPR

• Staff, The Associated Press

• Ali Rogin and Jackson Hudgins, PBS News

• Eli Tan and Cecilia Kang, The New York Times

• Hannah Grabbenstein, PBS News

• Cecilia Kang, The New York Times

• Kaitlyn Huamani and Barbara Ortutay, The Associated Press