Is this social media's 'Big Tobacco moment'?

A landmark Los Angeles jury verdict has declared Meta and Google liable for harming a 20-year-old woman’s mental health by designing their platforms to be addictive, marking what some are calling social media’s 'Big Tobacco moment.' The case, brought by Kayleigh, revealed that Meta and YouTube failed to warn users about the risks of their services, with internal evidence showing executives knew of widespread harm—particularly among teens spending six hours a day on platforms. The verdict, which awarded $3 million in damages, has triggered global scrutiny and accelerated calls for reform. While some experts caution against blanket bans—pointing out social media’s value for marginalized youth—others argue that features like infinite scroll, autoplay, and constant notifications must be reformed. France and the EU are already pushing for changes, and tech companies are responding. The episode underscores a pivotal moment: not just for litigation, but for a collective reckoning on how digital platforms shape young minds and whether they can be made safe without sacrificing their benefits.