Big Tech faces scrutiny as juries blame social media
NEW YORK, March 26: For years, parents, educators, pediatricians, and whistleblowers have warned that social media harms children’s mental health, contributing to addiction, eating disorders, sexual exploitation, and even suicide.
This week, for the first time, juries in two US states sided with them, marking a major shift in public perception and accountability for Big Tech.
In Los Angeles, a jury found Meta and YouTube liable for harms to children using their platforms. In New Mexico, a jury concluded that Meta knowingly harmed children’s mental health and concealed evidence of child sexual exploitation.
The verdicts were celebrated by advocacy groups and families, signaling the end of the era of Big Tech invincibility. “New evidence and testimony have validated the harms young people and parents have long warned about,” said Sacha Haworth, executive director of The Tech Oversight Project.
The cases spotlighted deliberate design choices intended to make platforms addictive, particularly for young users, while sidestepping Section 230, which generally shields internet companies from liability for user content. Previous lawsuits focusing on content distribution had failed on these grounds. Experts say these rulings may reshape the industry by forcing companies to rethink engagement-driven algorithms.
While Meta and Google have said they will appeal, advocates emphasize that meaningful regulation is necessary to enforce lasting change. Arturo Bejar, a former Meta engineer, said that legal pressure and government oversight, rather than internal complaints, are what drive behavior change.
The cases are bellwether trials, with thousands of similar lawsuits filed nationwide. The outcomes could take years to resolve, but public awareness is already rising: a 2025 Pew Research Center poll found 48% of teens believe social media harms their peers, up from 32% in 2022.
Meanwhile, new technologies like AI chatbots present the next frontier for ensuring safe digital environments for children.
Experts warn that as new platforms emerge, society must proactively address potential harms before they become widespread. (AP)
