Meta Appeals $3M Verdict in Social Media Addiction Case

Meta, the parent company of Instagram and Facebook, has filed an appeal against a jury verdict in a landmark social media addiction lawsuit in Los Angeles. The case involved a 20-year-old woman, identified as Kaley, who claimed that her addiction to social media began in childhood and exacerbated her mental health issues.

The jury found both Meta and Google-owned YouTube negligent, awarding Kaley $3 million in damages and recommending an additional $3 million in punitive damages. Meta's lawyers filed a notice of appeal on Tuesday in Los Angeles County Superior Court, with further arguments to follow.

The trial judge, Carolyn B. Kuhl, had previously denied post-trial motions from both companies to overturn the verdict.

This case is significant as it could influence numerous similar lawsuits against social media companies. Additionally, Meta is facing legal challenges in New Mexico, where a jury found its platforms harmful to children's mental health, resulting in a $375 million penalty.