Have You or a Loved One Suffered the Consequences of Social Media Addiction?
In a landmark ruling that is set to change the way social media is used by and marketed to teens and other impressionable young audiences, social media platforms have agreed to pay over $18 billion in civil damages and implement new social media usage rules for minors.
In the last few years, social media has been linked to an increase of harm for children and teenagers due to addictive algorithm design, an increase in depression and suicidal ideation, sleep deprivation, and exposure to interactions with harmful and exploitative content and users. Some cases of social media addiction have led to the devastating passing of young users, which should not go unanswered.
If your loved one passed away due to the addictive and harmful effects of social media, don’t fight for justice alone. BD&J social media wrongful death attorneys in California are here to help, call now to speak with our team.
Key Takeaways
- Recent case rulings hold social media platforms liable for defective social media design that focuses on addictive algorithms, promoting harmful content, allowing access to minors under 13 without parental consent, and more.
- Social media platforms include Instagram, Facebook, Youtube, TikTok and Snapchat.
- Social media addiction is defined by excessive and compulsive usage that affects everyday activities, feelings of anxiety and depression when offline, negative impacts on real-life relationships, and avoidance of responsibilities and hobbies (PubMed).
- A California wrongful death attorney from BD&J can fight on behalf of loved ones after the devastating death of a family member from addictive social media use.
Social Media’s Negative Effects on Young Populations
Scrolling on social media can affect young users much more than people think. Social media platforms are everywhere, easy to access, and can often push a visually attractive idea of connectivity for the average user.
However, the negative effects of social media are not meant to be overlooked. Some of the most recent data highlights the several ways social media can affect young populations:
- A study published in 2025 found that 4 in 10 teens said that social media use negatively impacted their sleep and productivity (Pew Research).
- 1 in 5 teens noted that social media hurt both their mental health and school grades (Pew Research).
- Adolescents with intense or problematic social media use were more likely to engage in substance use (ScienceDirect).
- About 27% of children who use social media for more than 3 hours per day exhibit symptoms of poor mental health (AddictionCenter).
While social media is thought to heighten dopamine levels for many impressionable users, the negative mental health consequences can’t be ignored. The “rewards” of social media use, e.g. connectivity, attention-grabbing visuals, and sharing about oneself, can come with a hefty price.
Call the BD&J law firm in California if you or a loved one has dealt with the extreme consequences of social media use.
Further Issues Associated with Excessive Social Media Use
Poor mental health can encompass a variety of issues that afflict a person. Some of the more pronounced instances of mental health problems that come from exposure to constant social media use include:
- Social isolation, aka cutting off oneself from interacting with other people.
- Body image issues arising from some of the most well-known social media trends around the body, like thinspo, fitspo, dangerously restrictive dieting, use of substances to achieve a body type, etc.
- Cyberbullying, which leads to harassment, intimidation, and even coercion.
- Doxxing, which is when a person’s private information, like their address and place of employment, is revealed.
- Misinformation, which is the sharing of inaccurate or false information related to anything, whether current events, health information, etc.
What Does Social Media Addiction Look Like?
If a person is dealing with a social media addiction, they may exhibit symptoms like:
- An increase in social media use over time.
- Mood swings, with positive mood changes in connection to social media use.
- Using social media when walking, driving, or doing other physical activities.
- Distancing oneself from family and friends.
- Escapism (mental diversion).
- Isolation.
- Depression.
- Anxiety.
Past Successful Lawsuits
To fully understand the scope of how claims have changed and how social media is now perceived, it’s important to look at past lawsuits that have impacted the country. These lawsuits include:
- In an earlier 2026 trial in Los Angeles where the plaintiff, known as KGM, stated that social media use as a child further intensified her mental health struggles, the court not only ruled in favor of the plaintiff, but also emphasized how social media platforms are designed to hook young users.
- A 2026 New Mexico case ruled against Facebook and Instagram platforms after it was discovered that the company had knowingly harmed children’s mental health and concealed its knowledge of child sexual exploitation on its platforms.
- A social media platform recently settled a lawsuit against the Breathitt County School District in the state of Kentucky due to the harm to children’s mental health brought on by social media addiction.
What Qualifies for a Claim?
The impact of social media on younger populations in California and throughout other states shouldn’t go unanswered. A person who was so severely impacted by social media use that they committed suicide, attempted suicide, or had to obtain mental health therapy services spanning 6 months or longer may have a legal case.
How Much Compensation Can Be Recovered Through a Claim?
Every social media harm litigation case is different. In the case of the death of loved one from social media addiction, common compensation may include:
- Funeral expenses.
- Past medical costs.
- Family’s pain and suffering.
- Loss of consortium.
- Punitive damages, if the social media platform committed prior violations.
How To Spot Social Media Addiction in Young Users
Social media addiction in young audiences grows rampant, often leading to harmful content exposure for users who are still being shaped mentally and emotionally. Spot signs of social media addiction in the young users in your life with the following:
- See how they interact with their phones. A warning sign may look like a teen or younger child who is glued to their phones, constantly scrolling, and unable to interrupt their phone use with other hobbies.
- View their emotional state. Emotional outbursts, anxiety and depression, and mood swings that only seem to lift when a child is on a social media platform may be a sign of something serious.
- Consider any disruptions to their routines. Has your child or other loved one stopped paying attention to their hobbies, hanging out with friends, and even spending time with family? This may be another red flag.
- Keep an eye on their sleepiness. Fatigue and sluggishness from sleep deprivation may hint that a child is losing sleep over social media use.
Get answers for your young loved ones. Complete our online form to connect with BD&J.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Can I Prove Social Media Addiction?
Screentime reports, testimony from friends and families, and the reports of psychological experts can help further prove a person’s social media addiction.
Can I Sue a Social Media Application on Behalf of My Child?
Absolutely. When it comes to the legal process of a claim, a minor cannot file on their own, but a parent or legal guardian can file on their behalf.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit?
When it comes to filing a wrongful death lawsuit, you generally have 2 years from the time of death to do so. This timeline is essentially the same for cases of injury as well.
Do I Have a Claim if I Ended Up Needing Extensive Therapy After Social Media Use?
Absolutely. Psychological trauma and emotional pain can be serious damages that impact a person’s life.
Will Sharing My Story Really Help?
Recent lawsuits have proven that it is possible to hold what were previously thought to be virtually untouchable companies legally responsible. If you or a loved one suffered serious consequences from social media use, sharing your story can only further help to hold companies accountable and bring necessary changes for future generations.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in California?
Spouses or legally recognized domestic partners and children of the deceased can file a claim. If the deceased did not marry or have children, then parents, grandparents, siblings, nieces/nephews, or any other financially dependent minor could file a claim.
California wrongful death attorneys from BD&J are here to help share your loved one’s case!
Can I Sue an AI Chatbot for Harming Me?
AI software companies have started being held liable for wrongful death cases, but when it comes to AI chatbots harming individuals through false or incorrect advice, this is still fairly new to the legal landscape. Speaking with a personal injury attorney can help you learn if you have a case.
What Are AI Hallucinations?
AI hallucinations occur when an AI program creates incorrect or completely false information, including data, events, and more. These hallucinations are fairly common and increase the risk of serious consequences when using AI chatbots for knowledge, medical advice, and other communications.
How Much Does It Cost to Work with an Attorney?
Personal injury attorneys work under a contingency fee basis, which means all case costs are advanced to clients to get their legal claim started. Final attorney fees are deducted from the compensation amount after a case is resolved. This means no financial stress for you, and no attorneys’ fees until we win*.
Does BD&J Offer Free Consultations?
Absolutely! Our team is available 24/7 to book your consultation with one of our attorneys.
How Soon Should I Speak with an Attorney from BD&J?
As soon as you’re ready and able. BD&J offices are located in Los Angeles, Pasadena, Rancho Santa Margarita, Riverside, and Sacramento. If you can’t come to our offices, we’ll come to you!
California Wrongful Death Attorneys Unafraid to Seek Compensation for Victims of Social Media Wrongful Death
The accessibility and lack of moderation in a typical social media platform can impact the most vulnerable audiences in unimaginable ways. While it can be easy to advise young users to stop scrolling or turn off the phone, social media addiction is very real and can have a lasting impact.
Whether it’s what they see or who they connect with, social media can lead to emotional, mental, and physical harm to any user. Platforms that deliberately push certain content, fail to protect young users, and continue to look the other way should be held legally accountable in the aftermath of an untimely loss.
BD&J wrongful death attorneys in California are here to fight for you and your loved ones. We’re not afraid to go against big social media platforms and make your story heard.
With more than $3 billion* in compensation collected for clients since our establishment in 2007, you can be confident your case is in the right hands.
