Trial begins over claims that Meta, TikTok and YouTube are fueling youth mental-health crisis

A bellwether trial opens in Los Angeles County after a 19-year-old plaintiff alleges Meta, TikTok and YouTube products contributed to her depression and suicidal thoughts. Mark Zuckerberg is expected to testify and Snap has settled the case.

A trial opens this week in California Superior Court, Los Angeles County, over claims that major tech platforms harmed a young user's mental health. The plaintiff, identified in filings as a 19-year-old woman, alleges she became addicted to the companies' products and that this contributed to depression and suicidal thoughts. The case is being treated as a bellwether in a series of similar lawsuits expected this year. Companies named in the suit plan to defend their products in court and some executives are expected to testify. Key facts: - The plaintiff alleges addiction to social apps and links her use to depression and suicidal thoughts. - The case is a bellwether trial and is opening this week in Los Angeles County. - Meta, TikTok and YouTube are defendants; Meta says its products did not cause the plaintiff's challenges. - Snap reached a settlement with the plaintiff on Jan. 20. Summary: The trial will ask a jury to decide whether the companies were negligent and whether use of the platforms was a substantial factor in the plaintiff's mental-health struggles. The legal outcome could influence other pending cases, and the proceedings are expected to include testimony from company leaders as the trial unfolds.