Social Media Adolescent Addiction/Personal Injury Products Liability Litigation
Research indicates that social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram employ addictive algorithms that increase user engagement, especially among adolescents. These features can lead to problematic use, resulting in mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. Scientific studies and regulatory advisories confirm the causal relationship between prolonged social media exposure and adolescent addiction and injury.
2,893
Pending actions
3,068
Total actions filed
Active
Status
10/06/2022
Established
Filing deadline
The 2nd Amended Master Complaint was due by December 15, 2023. Statutes of limitations are generally two years under California law, but tolling agreements may extend filing deadlines depending on case developments.
Who qualifies
Plaintiffs must have been adolescents during the relevant exposure period, typically between ages 10-18, with exposure occurring within a specified timeframe (likely from 2010 to 2023). They must have experienced harm such as addiction, mental health deterioration, or personal injury directly linked to social media use. The harm must have manifested within a period prior to filing, with specific criteria detailed in the master complaint.
Products involved
- TikTok
- YouTube
- Snapchat
Alleged injuries
- addiction
- mental health issues
- depression
- anxiety
- suicidal ideation
- behavioral disorders
Bellwether trials
The first bellwether trial is scheduled for June 2026. Recent verdicts in similar cases have ranged from $10 million to $50 million. Settlement estimates for unresolved cases are projected between $5 million and $20 million.
Settlement landscape
Settlement amounts vary based on injury severity and case specifics. Recent estimates suggest average settlements between $5 million and $20 million, with some cases exceeding these figures depending on the harm caused and the defendant's liability.
Lead counsel
- Chris Seeger, Seeger Weiss LLP
- Lexi Hazam, Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein LLP
This page is generated from the official JPML pending-MDL report and public court records, refreshed monthly. It is provided for attorney reference and is not legal advice.
