Jurors selected for trial accusing Meta of addicting minors via social media

Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, is now facing its first federal trial in the United States. The tech giant is accused of designing its social media platforms to foster addiction in minors, leading to mental health problems. The trial began this week with the selection of eight jurors after extensive questioning by U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers.

During the jury selection process, potential jurors were asked about their personal use of online services, their children's usage, and their views on social media's impact on mental well-being. Some candidates acknowledged that online networks can influence mental health. One individual notably compared the experience of scrolling through potentially anxiety-inducing content on social media to the addictive nature of cocaine. Another expressed concern that the apps "drain the values out of people."

The trial, expected to last approximately six weeks, stems from a lawsuit filed by four U.S. states: California, Colorado, Kentucky, and New Jersey. These states are seeking significant restrictions on features within Instagram and Facebook, such as endless scrolling and frequent notifications. Furthermore, they are demanding penalties that could total up to $1.4 trillion, a sum nearly equivalent to Meta's stock market value. The plaintiffs argue that the platforms' design intentionally exploits psychological vulnerabilities, particularly in young users. Opening statements are scheduled to begin next Tuesday, with a verdict anticipated in early October.