About the social media eating disorder litigation
Families and individuals across the country have brought claims alleging that major social-media platforms contributed to serious youth mental-health and eating-disorder harms.
What are the lawsuits about?
The lawsuits allege that certain social-media platforms were designed to maximize engagement and repeated use, including among minors and vulnerable users.
Plaintiffs allege that these design choices exposed some young people to harmful content, intensified comparison and body dissatisfaction, and contributed to eating-disorder symptoms or worsening illness.
The claims are not simply about the existence of harmful content online. They focus on how platforms allegedly designed, recommended, amplified, and reinforced harmful use patterns and harmful content.
Which platforms are involved?
The litigation involves claims related to major social-media platforms, including Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Snapchat.
Each case is fact-specific. Relevant issues may include which platforms were used, when use began, how frequently the platforms were used, what types of content were shown, whether eating-disorder-related content was recommended or amplified, and other individual facts.
Where are the cases pending?
The cases have been coordinated in California state and federal courts so that common issues can be handled efficiently.
Individual facts still matter, including age, platform use, diagnosis, treatment history, timing, and the relationship between social-media exposure and the eating-disorder harm.
Why have courts allowed the cases to move forward?
Courts have allowed key claims to proceed based on allegations about platform design, algorithms, and product features.
The legal theory is not simply that harmful third-party content existed online. The claims focus on how the platforms allegedly designed their products, recommended content, amplified harmful material, and created features that may have contributed to harmful use patterns.
This distinction is important because the lawsuits focus on product design and algorithmic conduct which the social media companies fully control, not merely on ordinary social-media use.
The first test case
The first test case went to trial in January 2026. TikTok and Snapchat settled before trial, and the jury later issued a verdict against Meta/Instagram and YouTube/Google on March 25, 2026 for $6 million.
The verdict was an important moment in the litigation, but every case is different. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes, and future cases may involve different facts, different defendants, different injuries, and different legal issues.
What happens next in the litigation?
Additional test cases and litigation activity are expected. As the litigation continues, new families and individuals may still be able to have their potential claims reviewed.
A confidential consultation can help determine whether your situation may qualify and whether it makes sense to move forward.
Can I still be reviewed if I am not part of a test case?
Yes. The selected test cases are already moving forward, but other individuals and families may still be able to have their claims reviewed and included in any potential global settlement based on the strength of their individual facts.
For most families, the initial process involves answering questions, gathering basic background information, and completing legal paperwork that requires a few hours of your time. If your case appears to qualify, we will guide you through every step.
Helpful links
Have questions about whether this applies to you or your child?
We can walk you through the process privately and answer your questions.
