Meta Settles Addictive Design Lawsuit Ahead of November Trial

Meta has agreed to settle a lawsuit claiming its social media platforms are designed to be addictive, resolving the company's liability before the case went to trial. The settlement concludes Meta's role in a case filed by an 18-year-old identified in court documents as K.D.B. The plaintiff alleged that Meta and Snap, the parent company of Snapchat, built features specifically to keep young users engaged. Snap remains a defendant in the ongoing litigation.

The legal team representing the plaintiffs originally filed the suit against four companies: Meta, Snap, TikTok, and Alphabet's YouTube. TikTok and YouTube settled their respective shares of the case before the trial began. Another plaintiff in the lawsuit, known as S.J., reached a settlement with Meta last week. The specific financial terms of these agreements were not made public.

The plaintiffs argue that compulsive use of these apps contributed to serious mental and physical health issues. They cite symptoms including depression, anxiety, an eating disorder, and self-harm. A spokesperson for the Lanier Law Firm stated that the team will press forward with claims against Snap. The firm argues that Snap designed the application to maximize time spent on the platform using Snapstreaks, Snapscores, push notifications, and filters.

Snap disputes these allegations and maintains that its practices are sound. Jury selection started this week in Los Angeles. Opening statements are expected to begin in early November. Lawyers for the plaintiffs anticipate the trial will continue until mid-December.

Emily Jeffcott, the trial counsel for K.D.B., said the team is pleased with the resolution regarding Meta. "We remain committed to improving safety for kids on social media apps and holding tech companies accountable," Jeffcott said. She added that they are pleased to have brought the matter to a just resolution on behalf of their client.

A Meta spokesperson noted that the company still faces similar lawsuits alleging its platforms harm users' mental health. The spokesperson stated that trials, dismissals, and settlements are common in the bellwether process. "We will continue to defend ourselves in court, and we stand by our record," the spokesperson said in a statement. Meta pointed to a recent agreement with 52 bipartisan attorneys general that includes strict time limits, no night access, and no notifications during school hours.

In August, Meta reached a deal with dozens of states. Those states alleged that Meta used Facebook and Instagram to hook young users while hiding the risks. Meta's settlement with K.D.B. removes the company from the upcoming Los Angeles trial, leaving Snap as the primary remaining corporate defendant.