20-Year-Old Takes Stand in Landmark Social Media Addiction Trial
Plaintiff KGM testifies that childhood social media use worsened her depression and suicidal thoughts in major trial against tech giants.
A 20-year-old woman identified as KGM took the witness stand Thursday in a landmark trial targeting social media companies. Her testimony was blunt: platforms she started using as a child made her depression and suicidal thoughts significantly worse.
KGM is among plaintiffs battling major social media giants over claims their products are addictive by design — particularly for young users. Her account details a trajectory that began in childhood and spiraled into serious mental health consequences.
The trial puts the spotlight squarely on how platforms handle their youngest users. It's one of the most high-profile legal challenges the industry has faced over addiction claims.
The case could set precedent for how courts evaluate the mental health impact of social media on minors. Tech companies have long pushed back against claims that their products cause direct harm.