Los Angeles receives another chapter in the legal battle against Big Tech. This time, the family of a 20-year-old woman is suing Meta (Instagram) and Google (YouTube), accusing them of contributing to the deterioration of her mental health since she was a child. The accusation is direct: intensive use since childhood that led to addiction, emotional problems, and a life marked by the screen.

The civil trial kicked off this week and poses an uncomfortable question: how far does platforms' responsibility extend for the psychological well-being of their youngest users? The family's lawyers argue that Instagram and YouTube designed algorithms that deliberately hook minors, maximizing screen time without considering adverse effects. Meta and Google deny the accusations and maintain they offer parental control tools and educational content.

This case is not an outlier. The United States is experiencing a wave of similar lawsuits where parents and guardians hold social media responsible for anxiety disorders, depression, and self-destructive behaviors in teenagers. Some states have begun legislating age restrictions and algorithmic transparency, but tech companies resist, citing freedom of speech and technical complexity.

A Meta spokesperson stated that "the platform invests millions in minor protection," though no verifiable impact metrics were specified. For its part, Google simply stated that "YouTube Kids was designed precisely for young audiences" (official statement in press release).

The trial could set a precedent. If the family wins, it opens the door to hundreds of similar cases. If they lose, it reinforces Big Tech's argument that responsibility lies with parents and users, not platforms. Meanwhile, the 20-year-old woman waits for the system to give her answers that Instagram never offered.