social media addiction lawsuit Updates
Federal Social Media MDL to Begin with School District Bellwether Trials
The federal multidistrict litigation (MDL) against social media companies will commence with bellwether trials brought by school districts rather than individual plaintiffs. These initial cases will focus on whether platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Snapchat deliberately designed addictive features that compelled schools to allocate significant resources toward mental health support and crisis intervention. The outcomes of these trials will heavily influence subsequent personal injury claims and potential settlements. Meanwhile, state court trials in California involving student addiction claims are scheduled to begin in late 2025, with federal bellwether trials expected in late 2026.
Ninth Circuit Limits Discovery Against State Agencies in Meta Litigation
On August 22, 2025, the Ninth Circuit granted a partial writ of mandamus, rejecting a lower court’s order that would have compelled state attorneys general to produce documents from separate, nonparty state agencies. The appellate court held that state law—not federal discovery rules—determines whether such documents are within an attorney general’s control, concluding the district court had overstepped by ignoring these legal boundaries. This decision protects state sovereignty and prevents defendants like Meta from using burdensome discovery tactics to delay litigation or shift accountability. It also safeguards the momentum of plaintiffs’ claims by limiting defensive maneuvers that could undermine ongoing efforts to hold social media companies accountable.
Social Media Addiction MDL Grows to 1,922 Cases; Bellwether Process Advances
As of August 1, 2025, the Social Media Addiction Multidistrict Litigation (MDL) in the Northern District of California encompasses 1,922 active lawsuits—a net increase of 55 cases since last month. This sustained growth confirms the litigation continues to build momentum. The MDL consolidates diverse claims, with our legal team prioritizing minors who developed depression, anxiety, eating disorders, or engaged in self-harm due to prolonged exposure to algorithmic content consumption patterns ("algorithmic rabbit holes"). Eleven bellwether cases have been selected for targeted discovery, and the expert discovery deadline is extended to September 17, 2025, reflecting the MDL’s progression.
Minnesota Mandates Social Media Mental Health Warnings Starting July 2026
Minnesota will require social media platforms to display pop-up mental health warnings to users starting July 2026—the first U.S. law of its kind. The mandate forces users to acknowledge that platforms "could pose a hazard to mental health" before accessing content, aiming to encourage mindful engagement. This initiative coincides with hundreds of lawsuits against Meta, TikTok, and other tech giants alleging deliberate design features that addict minors and exacerbate youth mental health crises (e.g., depression, body dysmorphia). The law underscores growing regulatory pressure to address social media’s psychological risks, mirroring litigation claims that companies prioritize profit over user safety.
About The Social Media Addiction Lawsuit
Nowadays, everyone participates in social media to one degree or another. However, the question of how much is too much has been raised. When does the impact cause severe psychological and physical conditions due to overuse? The core issue of the social media addiction class action lawsuit centers on the potential dangers that may occur from prolonged social media use. It especially focuses on how social media negatively harms young individuals.
Certain studies and reports have shown that excessive screen time can lead to mental health disorders and other serious problems. This is especially true for those younger than 24 who spend an excessive amount of time on social media platforms and show signs of psychological and physical harm.
Many people are unaware of the risks of excessive social media use and continue to suffer in silence. However, legal options are now available for those struggling to cope with social media addiction and its side effects. Individuals can now join the lawsuit and seek potential compensation for the harm caused by social media addiction.
If you or a loved one has suffered serious health issues related to social media use, you must understand your rights. You may be able to participate in a social media addiction lawsuit to seek justice and compensation.
Who Qualifies for the Social Media Addiction Lawsuit?
While a lawyer will need to evaluate your case and see if you may qualify, individuals seeking to participate in a social media addiction lawsuits typically meet the following criteria:
- You have used social media more than three hours per day.
- Proof of extensive social media use before the age of 24.
- Provide proof of treatment of conditions and injuries associated with social media use.
In addition, one or more of the following psychological or physical conditions have been asserted in these suits:
- Eating Disorder
- Anxiety
- Depression Disorders
- Suicidal tendencies or suicide attempts
If these factors apply to you, you may be entitled to compensation. We encourage you to seek legal advice to determine your eligibility.
Which Companies Are Involved in Social Media Addiction Lawsuits?
Several social media companies have been implicated in the social media addiction lawsuit. Currently, major platforms face allegations that their algorithms and features contribute to addictive behaviors and serious health conditions. These lawsuits claim that the companies behind these platforms failed to warn users about the potential health risks of excessive social media use, particularly for young users.
As more evidence emerges linking prolonged social media use to severe psychological and physical harm, the number of cases against these companies will likely increase.
If you or a loved one have experienced adverse health effects due to social media addiction, you may qualify to join the class action lawsuit.
How Much Compensation Should You Expect?
Determining a typical settlement amount in a social media addiction lawsuit is challenging because many things can impact the case. Factors such as the severity of the condition, the strength of the evidence, jury decisions, and the lawyers' skill all influence the settlement amount.
As of now, the social media addiction lawsuits are in the early stages, and no global settlements or jury trials have occurred. However, based on other litigation involving similar cases, a lawyer can provide you with potential settlement amounts based on the type and extent of harm suffered by the plaintiffs.
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