Meta, TikTok, YouTube to stand trial on youth addiction claims

WASHINGTON: Meta Platforms, TikTok and YouTube will face courtroom scrutiny this week over allegations that their platforms are fueling a youth mental health crisis, ‍as the national debate about kids’ screen time enters a new phase.

The bellwether trial in California Superior Court, Los Angeles County involves a 19-year-old woman from California, identified as ⁠K.G.M., who says she became addicted to the companies’ platforms at a young age because of their attention-grabbing design, according to court filings. She alleges the apps fueled her depression and suicidal thoughts and is seeking to hold the companies liable.