Neuroscience explains why teens are so vulnerable to Big Tech social media platforms

Politicians bent on using the internet as tool for social manipulation: George Will

On March 25, a California jury found that two major Silicon Valley companies — Meta (owner of Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and Messenger) and Google — were responsible for the mental health problems a woman said she suffered because of excessive social media use. The plaintiff was awarded $6 million in damages — $3 million compensatory damages and $3 million punitive damages — with Meta having to pay 70 percent of that $6 million (which comes o…

How Social Media Verdicts Could Upend Tech Industry

Two major court verdicts last week finding social media giants Meta and YouTube liable for harm to users could send shock waves through the tech industry. In a first-of-its-kind lawsuit, a jury in Los Angeles on March 25 found both companies liable for making their platforms addictive and deleterious to the mental health of young users. The 20-year-old plaintiff, referred to as “Kaley G.M.” or only her initials K.G.M. during trial, testified tha…

Tech Talk: Seattle attorney behind landmark case that could reshape social media as Meta, YouTube found liable in youth addiction lawsuits

A Seattle-based attorney who spoke with KIRO Newsradio last August may now be at the center of a legal shift that could redefine how social media platforms operate nationwide. Matthew Bergman has helped lead cases resulting in major verdicts against Meta and YouTube, as courts increasingly hold tech companies accountable for the impact of their platforms on children. “I think it resonates with every parent in America,” Bergman previously told KI…

Neuroscience explains why teens are so vulnerable to Big Tech social media platforms

In a landmark decision, a Los Angeles jury has found that social media company Meta and video streaming service YouTube harmed a young user with addictive design features that led to mental health distress, including body dysmorphia, depression and suicidal thoughts. Commentators have referred to this as social media’s “Big Tobacco” moment and further lawsuits are pending. The verdict has escalated calls for more regulation of social media platf…

Meta and YouTube held liable for mental health impact

Darren Woolley analyzes the LA jury ruling and social media's impact on mental health in the latest Ticker episode.