Addiction Lawsuit Threatens Meta, Google's Profit Model Over Harmful App Design

She began using YouTube at age 6 and Instagram at age 9, experiencing disrupted school performance, sleep loss, and strained relationships. Kaley testified that she found it "too hard to be without" social media, experiencing panic and feeling a "huge part of me was missing" when her phone was taken away.

Her lawyers argue that Meta and Google profit by hooking young children despite knowing the potential harms. The lawsuit claims the design of apps, with features like autoplay videos and endless scrolling, contributes to mental health crises.

Both Meta and Google deny the allegations. The case is part of a broader global backlash against social media companies.