A landmark US ruling has confirmed what many people already feel – social media can genuinely affect your mental health
A California jury has found Meta (the company behind Facebook and Instagram) and YouTube liable for harming a young woman’s mental health through what the court described as addictive product design. The two companies were ordered to pay $3 million in compensatory damages, with potential further penalties still to be decided.
The case centred on a young woman who experienced anxiety and depression linked to her use of these platforms. TikTok and Snapchat were also originally named in the lawsuit but reached settlements before the trial began.
This is one of the first cases of its kind to reach a verdict, but it is far from the only one. Thousands of similar lawsuits have been filed across the United States, and a separate case in New Mexico resulted in Meta being ordered to pay $375 million after a jury found the company failed to protect children from exploitation on its platforms. Both companies have indicated they intend to appeal.
Why This Matters for Mental Health
For many people, this ruling puts words to something they may have already been feeling – that the way social media platforms are designed can genuinely affect how we think, feel, and cope.
If you’ve noticed that time spent on social media leaves you feeling more anxious, low, or overwhelmed, that experience is increasingly recognised – not just by researchers and health professionals, but now by courts as well. You’re not imagining it, and you’re not alone in feeling that way.
What Can Help
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to managing the impact of social media on mental health. Some people find it helpful to set boundaries around screen time, while others benefit from exploring these feelings with a qualified professional who can offer personalised guidance.
A GP or mental health professional can help you understand how social media may be affecting your wellbeing and work with you on strategies that suit your situation.
If social media use is contributing to ongoing anxiety, low mood, or difficulty managing day-to-day life, connecting with a qualified professional is a practical next step. You can search our directory to find mental health support in your area.
This article is general in nature and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice.
