How Failure to Warn Claims Are Being Used Against Social Media Companies

While companies often advertise their products on social media platforms, several social media platforms are facing failure to warn claims. Many of these lawsuits claim that social media websites pose significant mental health risks. These risks make the user susceptible to anxiety, depression, isolation, and suicidal ideation. When it comes to vulnerable populations such as children or adolescents, these intentionally addictive websites should be held legally responsible for injuries. If you or your child has experienced mental health struggles or physical harm, our Reading personal injury attorneys are here to assist you in filing your claim.

Social Media’s Effect on Mental Health

Constant social media use can cause mental health struggles, resulting in depression, anxiety, and isolated behavior. Video autoplay, have the ability to continuously scroll, and algorithms that deliver personalized content feed compulsive behavior. Social media websites such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and YouTube cause an increased risk of dopamine release. This feeds our brain’s pleasure center, further increasing the risk of addictive behaviors.

K.G.M. Trial Against Meta Platforms, Inc. & Google

Thousands of cases have been pursued against social media providers, and one of the most closely watched recently concluded in the California Superior Court of Los Angeles. Known as the K.G.M. trial, the plaintiff alleged that she was addicted to both Instagram (owned by Meta Platforms, Inc.) and YouTube (owned by Google) as a child, causing her to be on social media “all day” long growing up.

The now 20-year-old plaintiff claimed that social media increased her suicidal thoughts and depression, comparing the endless swiping to handling a slot machine and referring to the platforms as a digital casino. She further alleged that both Meta and Google’s personalized algorithms contributed to her mental health struggles and a body dysmorphia diagnosis.

In March 2026, the jury returned a verdict in her favor, finding both Meta and Google negligent and awarding $6 million in damages, including $3 million in compensatory damages and $3 million in punitive damages. Meta was held responsible for 70 percent of the total award. The verdict is considered a bellwether for approximately 2,000 other pending lawsuits, and both companies have announced plans to appeal.

Failure to Warn Claims in Reading, PA

Social media platforms may be held legally responsible for a plaintiff’s injuries when they fail to warn the consumer of product hazards, if the hazard is obvious to the consumer, and if the consumer’s injuries are directly linked to using the product. In the K.G.M. trial, the plaintiff states that the algorithmic design choices contributed to her addiction, not the platforms themselves. This is only one among thousands of cases against Meta and social media companies, claiming damages for mental health costs and other harm sustained. While you may have measurable damages, you only have two years to file a failure to warn claim in Pennsylvania.

Advocacy from Our Reading Personal Injury Lawyers

Many people do not understand the toll that social media can have on their mental health. Users find themselves sucked into a website for hours on end, having no idea of the toll that it has taken on them. At HGSK Injury Lawyers, we are prepared to advocate for individuals who have been harmed due to social media’s damaging effects. To arrange your free consultation with one of our Reading personal injury attorneys, contact us online or by phone at (267) 551-8782 at your earliest convenience.