Social Media Addiction Lawsuits
Did Social Media Harm Your Child?
Lawsuits claim Meta, TikTok, Snap and Google designed Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Snapchat and YouTube to hook kids and teens. If heavy use led to depression, an eating disorder, self-harm or a suicide attempt, your family may qualify for compensation.
- Addiction began before age 18
- Diagnosed and treated for a mental health injury
- Pay nothing unless there is a recovery
See If You Qualify for Compensation
Free and confidential. It takes about a minute.
Who May Qualify
The lawsuits are brought on behalf of young people who became addicted to social media as minors and were harmed by it. You or your child may have a claim for compensation if:
- The apps: Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Snapchat or YouTube was used heavily, typically three or more hours a day.
- The age: the addiction started before age 18, and the person is now 25 or younger.
- The injury: a doctor or counselor diagnosed depression, severe anxiety, an eating disorder, body dysmorphia, self-harm, suicidal thoughts or a suicide attempt.
- The treatment: the person received medical or mental health treatment for that injury.
Families who lost a child to suicide at age 21 or younger may also have a wrongful death claim. A parent or guardian brings the claim for a child under 18. Young adults 18 and older can contact us directly.
If you or your child is in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
The Companies Named in the Lawsuits
Thousands of lawsuits have been filed against the four companies behind the apps teens use most.
Meta
Instagram and Facebook. The lawsuits point to the endless feed, likes, beauty filters and recommendation systems that allegedly keep young users scrolling.
TikTok
TikTok and its parent company, ByteDance. The claims focus on the For You feed, autoplay and viral challenges.
Snap
Snapchat. The claims focus on streaks, disappearing messages and features that allegedly reward constant use.
YouTube. The claims focus on autoplay and recommendations that allegedly keep young viewers watching video after video.
What the Lawsuits Claim
The lawsuits allege that these companies designed their apps to maximize the time young people spend on them, knowing that children and teens are especially vulnerable to compulsive use. According to the complaints, features such as infinite scrolling, autoplay, constant notifications, likes and algorithmic feeds were built to keep users coming back.
Plaintiffs also claim the companies knew from their own research that heavy use was linked to depression, anxiety, eating disorders and self-harm in young users, yet failed to warn parents, failed to verify ages and offered weak parental controls.
These are product liability and negligence claims. Each family files its own claim for compensation, which may cover medical and counseling expenses, past and future, along with pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life.
Where the Litigation Stands
Social media addiction claims are moving forward in two coordinated court proceedings. Federal cases are grouped in a multidistrict litigation (MDL) in the Northern District of California, where 3,824 cases were pending as of October 1, 2026. California state court cases are coordinated in Los Angeles.
- March 2026: In the first trial, a Los Angeles jury found Meta and YouTube negligent and awarded the young plaintiff about $6 million, including punitive damages. Both companies have appealed.
- August 2026: Meta settled a lawsuit brought by a coalition of states. That money goes to the states, not to individual families, who must file their own claims.
- October 28, 2026: The next Los Angeles trial, against Meta and Snap, is set to begin.
- February 2027: The first federal trial, brought by school districts, is scheduled.
No global settlement for individual families has been announced.
How Doyle APC Handles These Claims
NetLitigation is sponsored by Doyle APC, a law firm whose attorneys have represented consumers and injured people for over two decades. Doyle APC handles social media addiction claims nationwide together with experienced co-counsel.
- No fees or costs unless there is a recovery
- Families nationwide
- Confidential, with medical records gathered for you
Awards and Recognition
Common Questions
Who can file a social media addiction claim?
Claims are being brought for young people who became addicted to Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Snapchat or YouTube before age 18, are now 25 or younger, and were diagnosed and treated for an injury such as depression, severe anxiety, an eating disorder, self-harm or a suicide attempt.
Can a parent file a claim for a child?
Yes. A parent or guardian brings the claim on behalf of a child under 18. Young adults 18 and older bring their own claims.
Is this a class action?
No. Each family files its own claim, and compensation depends on that person’s injuries. The settlements Meta and TikTok have reached with state attorneys general pay the states, not individual families.
What does it cost?
Nothing up front. These claims are handled on a contingency fee basis, so there are no fees or costs unless there is a recovery.
Will my child’s name be made public?
In the trials so far, young plaintiffs have been identified by their initials rather than their names.
Is there a deadline to file?
Yes. Each state sets its own statute of limitations, and the rules for minors vary. Contact us promptly so a deadline is not missed.
Does Doyle APC handle these claims nationwide?
Yes. Doyle APC handles social media addiction claims for families across the country together with experienced co-counsel.
Find Out If Your Family Qualifies
A free, confidential case review takes about a minute. There is no cost unless there is a recovery.