‘I Stopped Engaging’ Due to Instagram and YouTube, Woman Tells Landmark Trial
A young woman is taking a stand against the giants of social media, suing Meta and Google for the addictive nature of their platforms. During a landmark trial in Los Angeles, she revealed the profound impact Instagram and YouTube had on her life, stating, I stopped engaging with family because I was spending all my time on social media.”
Early Social Media Use and Its Impact
– The woman, identified as KGM or Kaley to protect her privacy, began using YouTube at just 6 years old and Instagram at 9, without any age restrictions that could have limited her exposure.
– She testified that her daily routine revolved around social media, claiming that Instagram was the first thing she did each morning and that she continuously engaged with it throughout the day.
– This compulsive use led to significant challenges in her academic performance, home life, and mental health.
The Role of YouTube and Instagram in Her Struggles
– Kaley watched YouTube videos for hours, often captivated by the platform’s autoplay feature, which automatically plays the next video.
– She spoke candidly about how failing to get enough likes on her posts made her feel insecure and ugly.
– Diagnosed with body dysmorphia, Kaley’s self-esteem issues were absent before she began using social media. When asked by her lawyer, Mark Lanier, whether these feelings existed prior to social media usage, she responded, “No, I didn’t.”
Mental Health Challenges Arising from Social Media
– Kaley noted that her initial feelings of anxiety and depression emerged between the ages of 9 and 10, leading to a diagnosis in her teenage years.
– By age 10, she resorted to self-harm, cutting herself as a coping mechanism, and has been in therapy since she was 13.
The Legal Battle and Wider Implications
As the trial unfolds—expected to last until mid-March—it marks the first legal challenge addressing the accountability of social media companies for their young users. The case may have far-reaching consequences, potentially impacting thousands of lawsuits filed across the U.S. by families and state governments, asserting that children suffer harm online.
– TikTok and Snapchat were originally part of the lawsuit but settled before the trial commenced, with confidential terms.
– Meta claims that Kaley’s struggles are rooted in her family life rather than her use of Instagram, highlighting statements she made about her home situation before the lawsuit.
In a tense courtroom encounter, Kaley recently faced off against Mark Zuckerberg, Meta’s co-founder, during his lengthy testimony—his first in front of a jury. Kaley argued that while her relationship with her mother has improved, many of their early conflicts were exacerbated by her excessive phone and social media use.
Conclusion
Kaley’s experience raises critical questions about the responsibility of Instagram and YouTube in shaping the mental health of young users. As her case proceeds, it could be pivotal in determining how social media platforms are held accountable for fostering addictive behaviors, potentially affecting millions of young people across the nation.