Quick answer
The social media addiction lawsuit is a group of individual cases, not a class action, brought by families who say Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Snapchat and YouTube were designed to hook children and harmed them. Federal cases are combined in MDL No. 3047 in Northern California. Families whose child used these apps before 18 may qualify, including some without a diagnosis.
What the lawsuits are about
Federal cases are combined in one court in Northern California (MDL No. 3047), and thousands more are coordinated in California state court. The defendants include Meta (Instagram and Facebook), ByteDance (TikTok), Snap (Snapchat) and Google (YouTube).
Families allege the apps use features like endless feeds, autoplay, unpredictable rewards, late-night notifications, appearance filters and weak age checks to keep children using them. The companies deny the claims. In 2026, juries in Los Angeles and Santa Fe ruled against Meta, and the Los Angeles jury also ruled against YouTube; the companies have appealed.
Who may qualify
- The child used Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Snapchat or YouTube regularly before age 18
- The child developed depression, anxiety, an eating disorder, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, sleep problems or another serious harm
- No diagnosis? 20 or more hours a week on one platform before 18 may support an exposure claim
- Families of a young person who died by suicide after heavy use
No diagnosis? You may still have a claim
No diagnosis? You may still have a claim. If your child spent 20 or more hours a week on a single platform before 18, the lawyers can pursue what we call an exposure claim, even without medical records. Not every case qualifies.
Not a class action
This is not a class action. Every child’s case is filed in the child’s name, valued on the child’s own facts, and never settled without the family’s written agreement.
Why it’s worth acting now
Every state limits how long you have to file, and for minors the rules vary. Old accounts and screen-time history can disappear. Getting your situation reviewed now keeps your options open.
Common questions
How much does it cost to file?
Nothing up front. The lawyers are paid only from a recovery, under a written contingency fee agreement.
Do I need medical records to start?
No. You can start with a few questions. If your case moves forward, the lawyers help gather records.
Is there a deadline?
Yes. It depends on your state and your child’s age. Ask early.
Is this a class action?
No. Each child’s case is handled individually: filed in the child’s name, valued on the child’s own facts, and never settled without the family’s written agreement.
Does my child need a diagnosis to qualify?
Not necessarily. A diagnosis helps, but the lawyers review every family’s situation. If your child spent 20 or more hours a week on one platform before 18, they can pursue an exposure claim even without medical records.
Does it cost anything to have my case reviewed?
No. The case check is free and confidential. If you hire the firm, the lawyers are paid only from a recovery under a written contingency fee agreement. No recovery, no attorney fee.
Is there a deadline to file?
Yes. Every state sets its own deadline, and the rules for minors vary. Some families are already up against the clock, so it is best to ask early.
Sources: U.S. District Court, N.D. Cal., MDL 3047 order on motions to dismiss (Nov 14, 2023); MDL Update, MDL 3047 status (Oct 2026); Drugwatch, social media addiction lawsuit timeline. Attorney advertising by Grove and Associates PLC; responsible attorney Justin Grove. Results in other cases don’t predict the outcome of yours. This page is general information, not legal or medical advice.