Big Tech Faces Scrutiny Over Social Media Addiction in Court

Recent legal proceedings in Los Angeles have thrust social media practices into the spotlight, with allegations that major tech firms have designed platforms that foster addiction. A test-case jury trial is currently examining whether companies like Meta, TikTok, and Snapchat have created “addiction machines.” As the case unfolds, the implications for user wellbeing and corporate responsibility are becoming increasingly significant.

Legal Challenges and Corporate Defenses

The trial has already seen TikTok and Snapchat settle with the 20-year-old plaintiff, who claims her early exposure to social media led to addiction. Meta’s CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, is expected to testify in the coming days. This trial follows a preliminary ruling by the European Commission, which stated that TikTok’s design features, including infinite scroll and autoplay, violate the EU Digital Services Act. An industry expert recently noted to the BBC that the issue has evolved beyond merely harmful content; now, it concerns “toxic design.”

Historically, tech giants have defended their platforms as communication tools rather than addictive traps. Adam Mosseri, head of Instagram, testified that social media addiction is not classified as an official diagnosis in psychology, distinguishing it from clinical addiction. He argued that users and parents possess the tools necessary to manage screen time effectively.

Understanding Automated Attachment and User Vulnerability

Despite these assertions, extensive academic research highlights that features like infinite scrolling and push notifications are intentionally engineered to override human self-control. In a study conducted by Quynh Hoang and colleagues, interviews with 32 self-identified excessive users revealed a phenomenon termed “automated attachment.” Participants described using their devices reflexively, often without conscious thought. One interviewee stated, “I’m waking up, I’m not even totally conscious, and I’m already doing things on the device.”

This reflexive behavior can lead to significant consequences. Users often report feelings of emptiness and isolation, exacerbated by a cycle of escapism that leaves them feeling trapped. The researchers also found that the impulsive desire to engage with social media frequently arises before individuals fully recognize it. Another participant shared, “I found myself mindlessly opening the [TikTok] app every time I felt even the tiniest bit bored.”

The potential risks are even more pronounced for children, whose impulse control mechanisms are still developing. The plaintiff in the US trial claims she began using social media at the age of six, suggesting early exposure may have contributed to her addiction. Research indicates that “variable reward schedules,” which are prevalent in social media algorithms, are particularly effective at reinforcing habitual use among developing minds.

Internal documents disclosed during the trial, known as “Project Myst,” suggest that Meta was aware that existing parental controls were ineffective against their engagement strategies. Nevertheless, Meta’s legal representatives argue that the plaintiff’s challenges stem from pre-existing childhood trauma, not from the design of their platforms.

Many adults in their 20s surveyed in the study also expressed difficulty in regulating their social media use, a trend that raises concerns about the expectation for children to exercise restraint in the face of such addictive design.

The Broader Implications for Mental Health and Regulation

The impact of excessive social media use is a growing concern, with research identifying various potential harms. Users often experience a feedback loop of despair, where seeking comfort on platforms only magnifies feelings of anxiety and isolation. Furthermore, the rapid pace of content can impair attention spans, complicating the ability to focus on real-world tasks. Many individuals describe a sense of defeat when they realize they cannot align their online behaviors with their intentions.

The ongoing trial in Los Angeles could lead to significant changes in how social media platforms operate. A ruling against these companies or enforced redesigns in the EU may reshape user experiences across numerous platforms. Nevertheless, efforts to regulate big tech companies have thus far been slow and complex, often lagging behind their rapid growth and influence.

As the trial progresses, the outcomes could reshape the conversation around digital consumption and user agency. Until then, millions of users worldwide continue to navigate these platforms, often feeling like unwitting participants in a larger experiment. The question remains: how will society balance the benefits of connectivity with the potential harms of addiction?

This article originally appeared at The Conversation, an independent source of news analysis and informed comment written by academic experts. It is republished under a Creative Commons licence.