Meta faces trial that could end like counts and infinite scroll for teens

A jury trial set to begin on Tuesday in California poses a significant threat to Meta's operations, as thirty US states have sued the company, seeking upwards of $1 trillion and demanding fundamental changes to Instagram and Facebook. The states contend that Meta's platforms are designed to keep users, including teenagers and children, engaged for as long and as often as possible, contributing to a youth mental health crisis. The lawsuit is being heard by Chief Federal Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers. A company spokeswoman stated that Meta strongly disagrees with the allegations and is confident the evidence will show its longstanding commitment to supporting young people.

The states are asking for the elimination of features such as "like" counts and infinite scroll, which have been integral to the platforms since Facebook's early years. Likes are the primary way users engage with content, and research has shown that engagement metrics can drive feelings of rejection and depression in teenagers. The lawsuit represents nearly two-thirds of the US population, meaning any mandated changes would likely need to be enacted across the entire country, significantly altering the user experience.

This case follows a recent ruling in New Mexico, where a judge fined Meta $942 million and ordered similar changes, including eliminating like counts for users under 18, banning teenagers from sending or receiving nudity, and limiting push notifications to certain hours. That ruling was the first time a social media company was deemed a "public nuisance" in connection with the youth mental health crisis. The New Mexico order only applies within that state, but the multi-state lawsuit could force nationwide changes.

If Meta loses, the financial penalty and required platform overhauls could fundamentally change how young people experience social media. The company's current market value is about $1.5 trillion. The states argue that features designed to maximize engagement have directly harmed young users' mental health, and they are seeking court-ordered changes to address these harms. The outcome of this trial could set a precedent for how social media companies design their products for younger audiences.