Landmark Lawsuit Against Google and Meta Sparks Urgent Conversation About Kids and Social Media

Opening statements are now underway in a landmark legal case against tech giants Google and Meta, centered on allegations that their social media platforms were intentionally designed with addictive features that harmed young users’ mental health. The lawsuit involves a 20 year old plaintiff who claims prolonged exposure to social media contributed to anxiety, depression, and compulsive behaviors. As the case unfolds, many parents are asking a pressing question. What can families realistically do right now to protect their children? To help answer that question, NBC Palm Springs anchor Mary Strong spoke with Dr. Zarina Kang, a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and licensed marriage and family therapist at Victory Starts Now!

Dr. Kang explained that developing brains are especially vulnerable to the design features commonly used on social media platforms, including infinite scrolling, notifications, and algorithm driven content. According to Kang, these features can reinforce compulsive use patterns and are increasingly linked to mental health challenges among teens and young adults. Strong asked whether the symptoms described by the plaintiff are becoming more common. Dr. Kang said she is seeing rising levels of anxiety, depression, sleep disruption, and emotional dysregulation among young people who spend significant time on social media.

For parents feeling overwhelmed, Dr. Kang emphasized that reducing harm does not require completely eliminating digital access. Instead, she encouraged setting realistic boundaries, maintaining open communication, modeling healthy screen habits, and paying close attention to behavioral warning signs such as mood changes, withdrawal, irritability, or declining academic performance.

Looking ahead, Dr. Kang stressed that protecting young users will require shared responsibility. Parents, schools, and technology companies all play critical roles in creating healthier digital environments as legal and policy conversations continue nationwide.