A 20-year-old woman testified Thursday in a landmark trial that social media platforms addicted her as a child, worsening her depression and suicidal thoughts. The case, targeting Meta and YouTube, could set a precedent for thousands of similar lawsuits against social media companies.
Identified in court documents as KGM and referred to as Kaley by her attorneys, she said she began using YouTube at age 6 and Instagram at age 9. “I was on social media all day long,” Kaley told the Los Angeles Superior Court.
Kaley described her childhood as a mix of positive experiences and turbulence at home. She recalled themed birthday parties and family trips, but also conflicts with her mother over her phone use. On cross-examination, Kaley acknowledged that her mother had been physically and emotionally abusive during the time she was self-harming in sixth grade.
As part of her testimony, Kaley explained how Instagram and YouTube features—particularly notifications and filters—contributed to addictive behaviors. She said notifications gave her a “rush” that made her check her phone constantly, even during school. She also admitted to creating multiple accounts and buying “likes” to appear popular.
Filters on Instagram were a significant factor in her experience. Kaley testified that nearly all her childhood posts used filters and that her body dysmorphia and self-consciousness about appearance began after exposure to these tools. The jury was shown a nearly 35-foot banner of her Instagram photos, alongside childhood videos, including one where she celebrated surpassing 100 YouTube subscribers while simultaneously apologizing for her looks.
The defendants, Meta and YouTube, have argued that Kaley turned to their platforms as a coping mechanism amid her mental health struggles, while her attorneys contend the companies deliberately designed addictive features to target young users.
This trial is being treated as a bellwether case, meaning its outcome could influence thousands of similar lawsuits over alleged social media addiction among children. TikTok and Snap have already settled, leaving Meta and YouTube as the remaining defendants.
Kaley, now working as a personal shopper at Walmart, continues to live in the home she grew up in with her mother. Her testimony highlights concerns over the long-term impact of early and intensive social media use on mental health, body image, and emotional development.
