Tens of thousands of families across the U.S. are filing lawsuits against Meta (Facebook & Instagram), TikTok, Snapchat, YouTube, and other platforms for creating dangerously addictive products targeted at children.
These lawsuits allege that social media companies intentionally designed algorithms to keep young users hooked—causing documented mental-health injuries, eating disorders, self-harm, and, in tragic cases, suicide.
At Salenger, Sack, Kimmel & Bavaro (SSKB), our national mass tort team is reviewing claims for individuals under age 18 who became addicted to social media and suffered severe harm as a result.
If your child has been affected, call (800) 675-8556 or contact us online for a confidential consultation.
You may qualify if you or your child:
These cases allege that technology companies knowingly used dopamine-driven reward loops to manipulate developing brains—an allegation supported by research from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the American Psychological Association (APA):
Social media companies design their platforms around variable-reward dopamine loops, the same mechanism involved in gambling addiction.
According to the NIH, each “like,” notification, or new post activates the brain’s dopamine reward system, reinforcing compulsive checking behavior.
The prefrontal cortex—the part of the brain responsible for decision-making and impulse control—does not fully develop until around age 18.
For children and teens, this imbalance between “reward-seeking” and “self-control” makes them highly vulnerable to addictive features such as:
Major medical organizations—including the American Academy of Pediatrics—warn that social media is strongly correlated with eating disorders, depression, and anxiety in adolescents.
Common injuries tied to social media addiction include:
Many of the lawsuits allege that companies knew their platforms worsened these conditions but continued to prioritize engagement metrics over child safety.
If you or a loved one have been affected by social media addiction, don’t wait to seek legal help.
Contact Salenger, Sack, Kimmel & Bavaro today for a FREE consultation.
Call (800) 675-8556 or contact us online to get started.
As of early 2026, social media addiction lawsuits have entered a decisive phase, with the first bellwether trials underway in California. These cases allege that major social media companies intentionally designed addictive platform features that harmed children and teenagers, contributing to depression, anxiety, self-harm, and suicidal ideation. The litigation is frequently compared to early Big Tobacco cases due to claims of known risks and profit-driven design decisions.
Learn more in our latest video:
Bellwether Trial Begins (K.G.M. Case)
In January 2026, a landmark bellwether trial began in Los Angeles County Superior Court involving a 19-year-old plaintiff identified as K.G.M. The lawsuit alleges that early, prolonged exposure to social media caused addiction, severe depression, and suicidal thoughts during adolescence.
Snap and TikTok Settle Before Trial
Snap Inc. settled with the plaintiff on January 20, 2026. TikTok reached a settlement on January 27, 2026. Settlement terms were not disclosed. Both companies were removed from the trial shortly before opening arguments.
Trial Proceeds Against Meta and YouTube
The case continues against Meta and YouTube. Plaintiffs allege these platforms knowingly used addictive design features—such as algorithmic amplification and engagement-driven notifications—despite internal research linking those features to youth mental health harm.
Expected Executive Testimony
Senior technology executives, including Mark Zuckerberg, are expected to testify regarding platform design decisions and corporate knowledge of risks to minors.
Our mass tort attorneys represent families across the country in claims against:
We handle every aspect of your claim—including medical review, documentation, filing, and coordination with the MDL—so your family can focus on healing.
If you or your child suffered harm linked to social media addiction, you deserve answers.
SSKB is here to help guide you through your legal options and hold negligent tech companies accountable.
Call (800) 675-8556 or click below to request a case review: