雅思阅读 083: A Landmark Verdict — Meta, YouTube and Social Media Addiction

Adapted from "Jury finds Meta and YouTube negligent in landmark social media addiction case" by Claire Cameron, Scientific American, 25 March 2026.

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Reading Passage

In a Los Angeles courtroom in March 2026, history was made. A federal jury found that Meta and YouTube are liable for operating apps that are addictive and harmful to young people's mental health — the first trial of its kind to weigh social media's effects on minors.

The jury ordered the companies to pay $6 million in damages to Kaley G.M., a 20-year-old woman who had used Facebook, Instagram and YouTube since childhood. Meta was ordered to pay 70 percent; YouTube's owner, Google, was ordered to pay 30 percent. During the seven-week trial, Kaley testified that social media gave her anxiety and made her feel insecure about her appearance. Her lawyers argued that app features — endless scrolling, "like" buttons, push notifications — were deliberately designed to keep teenagers hooked, much like a slot machine.

The legal arguments echoed those used against big tobacco companies in the 1990s, which ultimately led to restrictions on tobacco advertising aimed at young people. Before the trial began, TikTok and Snap reached undisclosed settlements with the plaintiffs.

The case is one of several being brought against major social media companies on behalf of 1,600 plaintiffs, including hundreds of families and 250 school districts. Because it is a "bellwether" trial, its outcome may shape how the remaining lawsuits are decided.

Meta and both companies said they disagreed with the verdict and planned to appeal. "This case misunderstands YouTube, which is a responsibly built streaming platform, not a social media site," said a Google spokesperson. Meta issued a separate statement saying it was "evaluating its legal options."

The verdict comes at a moment of growing concern about young people and screen time. In August 2026, Meta agreed to implement new safety measures, including a default two-hour daily limit for users under 18, as part of an $18 billion settlement with US states. The US Surgeon General has also issued a formal advisory warning that social media use poses a risk to adolescent mental health.

Researchers remain divided. Some studies have found that heavy social media use correlates with higher rates of depression, anxiety and poor body image in teenagers. Others argue the relationship is "complex and non-linear," and that for many young people, social media provides valuable connection and community.

What is clear is that the legal and regulatory tide is turning. For the first time, a jury has decided that social media companies can be held legally responsible for the harm their products cause to young users. The era of self-regulation, many legal scholars say, may be coming to an end.

Questions 1–5

Choose the correct letter, A, B, C or D.

1. What did the Los Angeles jury decide?

   • A. Social media companies must pay $18 billion to US states.
   • B. Meta and YouTube are liable for addictive and harmful apps.
   • C. TikTok must close its platform.
   • D. Social media is safe for all users.

2. How much did the jury award Kaley G.M.?

   • A. $1.8 million
   • B. $6 million
   • C. $18 million
   • D. $18 billion

3. What proportion of the damages must Meta pay?

   • A. 30 percent
   • B. 50 percent
   • C. 70 percent
   • D. 100 percent

4. Why is this case called a "bellwether" trial?

   • A. It was the longest trial in California history.
   • B. Its result may influence future similar cases.
   • C. It was the first trial ever about the internet.
   • D. It involved more than 1,000 plaintiffs.

5. What did Google say about the verdict?

   • A. It accepted the ruling and will pay.
   • B. It argued YouTube is not a social media site and will appeal.
   • C. It blamed Meta for the problem.
   • D. It closed YouTube to under-18s.

Questions 6–10

Do the following statements agree with the information?

Write:

• TRUE
• FALSE
• NOT GIVEN

6. TikTok and Snap settled before the trial began.
7. The $6 million award includes compensation for 250 school districts.
8. Meta agreed to a two-hour daily screen limit for under-18s.
9. All studies show social media is harmful to teenagers.
10. The verdict was immediately accepted by both companies.

Questions 11–13

Complete the summary. Choose ONE WORD ONLY.

The trial compared social media companies to 11 companies targeted in the 1990s. Plaintiffs argue that app features such as scrolling and 12 buttons are designed to keep users engaged. The ruling may mark the end of the era of industry 13.

Answers

1. B — "found that Meta and YouTube are liable for operating apps that are addictive and harmful."
2. B — "$6 million to the plaintiff."
3. C — "Meta was ordered to pay 70 percent."
4. B — "its outcome could affect how other lawsuits… play out."
5. B — "This case misunderstands YouTube… we plan to appeal."
6. TRUE — "TikTok and Snap reached an undisclosed settlement."
7. NOT GIVEN — The $6 million was awarded to Kaley G.M.; the 250 school districts are among 1,600 plaintiffs in other cases.
8. TRUE — "default two-hour daily limit… for users under the age of 18."
9. FALSE — Some studies say the relationship is "complex and non-linear."
10. FALSE — Both companies said they disagreed and planned to appeal.
11. tobacco
12. like
13. self-regulation

Key Vocabulary