Meta settles social‑media addiction lawsuit, leaving Snap as sole defendant

Meta Platforms reached confidential settlements with two teen plaintiffs, K.D.B. and S.J., who alleged its Instagram and Facebook apps were designed to be addictive and caused mental‑health issues. The settlements were announced as jury selection began for the trial, which will now proceed against Snap Inc. alone starting Nov 4. Meta denied wrongdoing and said it will continue to defend itself in court.

The settlement removes Meta from the upcoming bellwether trial, reducing its immediate litigation exposure, while Snap will face the full test case, which could set precedent and affect its liability.

  • 1Meta settled with teen plaintiff K.D.B. who claimed Instagram and Facebook were addictive, on Oct 30, 2026.
  • 2Meta also settled with teen plaintiff S.J. the day before, ending the company's involvement in the case.
  • 3The trial against Snap Inc. is scheduled to begin with jury selection on Nov 4, 2026.
  • 4Settlement terms were not disclosed.
  • 5Snap remains the sole defendant in the bellwether lawsuit.
  • 6Meta previously lost a similar case in March 2026, resulting in a $6 million jury award.

Sources