Meta settles teen’s social media addiction claims as Snap trial proceeds

Meta has settled claims brought by an 18-year-old woman referred to in legal filings as K.D.B., and she alleged that Instagram and Facebook contributed to mental health problems and disordered eating. The settlement was announced on October 30, after jury selection began earlier in the week in Los Angeles. Its terms were not disclosed.

Meta settlement leaves Snapchat facing youth-harm claims alone

Meta’s settlement leaves Snap as the sole remaining defendant in a closely watched case over claims that social media platforms were designed to encourage compulsive use among young people. K.D.B., an 18-year-old woman, alleges Instagram and Facebook contributed to mental health problems and disordered eating. The settlement was announced on October 30, after jury selection began in Los Angeles; its terms are confidential.

The plaintiffs say features such as Snapstreaks, scores and filters encouraged prolonged Snapchat use and contributed to serious harms. Snap disputes their account, saying its app is designed differently from feed-based platforms and that it has introduced safeguards and safety resources. Opening statements are scheduled for November 4, and the case is expected to continue into December.

The allegations are part of thousands of lawsuits accusing social media companies of knowingly designing products that put young users at risk. Meta and YouTube were found negligent in a separate Los Angeles case in March, and a young woman was awarded $6 million. Meta’s exit from this trial does not resolve the claims against Snap, which will now face the plaintiffs’ arguments on its own.

Snap alone faces lawsuit as Meta settles teen’s claims

Meta has settled claims by K.D.B., an 18-year-old plaintiff who accused Instagram and Facebook of contributing to mental health problems and disordered eating. The terms were not disclosed. With the settlement announced on October 30, Snap is the only company left to defend itself in the case, where jury selection has begun in Los Angeles.

The claims against Snap include allegations that app features such as Snapstreaks, scores and filters encouraged compulsive use and contributed to harm. Snap rejects that portrayal, arguing that Snapchat is built around a camera rather than a feed and that it has added safety tools and educational resources. Opening statements are scheduled for November 4, and the trial could continue into December.

Settlements and lawsuits do not establish that every platform feature caused a particular user’s injuries. Meta has denied that its services are purposefully harmful and says it has developed protections for teenagers. A separate Los Angeles case ended in March with a jury finding Meta and YouTube negligent and awarding a young woman $6 million. The claims against Snap will now be tested in court.