Meta Settles Suit Over Addictive Design Before Trial Opens

Meta has resolved a lawsuit alleging its platforms are designed to hook young users, settling days before jury selection began in Los Angeles. The trial had been scheduled to open in November.

Terms of the agreement were not disclosed. A lawyer for the plaintiffs confirmed the settlement. Plaintiff S.J. settled with Meta last week. TikTok and Alphabet's YouTube each reached separate settlements before trial.

The lawsuit was filed by K.D.B., 18, and S.J., who allege Meta, Snap and other platforms engineered features that drive compulsive use. The plaintiffs claim that use contributed to their mental health struggles. The complaint against Snap, which owns Snapchat, continues.

A Lanier Law Firm spokesperson said each plaintiff alleges Snap built Snapchat to maximize time young users spend in the app, citing Snapstreaks, Snapscores, push notifications and filters. The filing alleges the compulsive use caused or contributed to depression, anxiety, an eating disorder and self-harm. Snap disputes the allegations and has defended its practices.

Jury selection started this week in Los Angeles. Opening statements are expected in early November, and plaintiffs' lawyers say they expect the trial to run into mid-Dec. Emily Jeffcott, trial counsel for K.D.B., said in a statement that the firm is "pleased to have brought this matter to a just resolution on behalf of our client."

Meta still faces other suits alleging its social platforms harm users' mental health. A company spokesperson said trials, dismissals and settlements are common in the bellwether process. The spokesperson said Meta has spent more than a decade building protections for teens, and its agreement with 52 bipartisan attorneys general sets time limits, blocks nighttime access and stops notifications during school hours. In August, Meta agreed to terms with dozens of states that alleged the company used Facebook and Instagram to hook young users while concealing the risks.