In a series of landmark trials, plaintiffs are alleging that Meta, TikTok, Snap and YouTube caused personal injury through addictive products. Our technology reporter Cecilia Kang describes what’s at stake for tech giants and social media users.

Adam Mosseri, who leads the Meta-owned app, testified that the company was careful to test features used by young people before releasing them.

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The app said in opening statements that it was more of an entertainment platform. The lawsuit claims social media companies design products that cause personal injury.

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Opening statements began in a trial claiming social media companies design addictive products that cause personal injury.

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Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said addiction is a “spiritual disease” that calls out for the involvement of religious organizations.

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The settlement means TikTok will avoid a trial where plaintiffs had planned to argue that social media platforms are inherently defective and subject to personal injury liability.

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Starting this week, a series of trials will test a new legal strategy claiming that Meta, TikTok, Snap and YouTube caused personal injury through addictive products.

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The settlement means Snap will avoid a trial where plaintiffs had planned to argue that social media platforms are inherently defective and subject to personal injury liability.

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