Understanding How Social Media Affects Young People
Thousands of families, schools, and state governments are taking legal action against social media companies. We're tracking the lawsuits, documenting the evidence, and explaining what it means.
No legal jargon required. Start with the basics, go deeper when you're ready.
Pending cases as of January 2026
Upcoming Dates
First school district bellwether case goes to trial
Instagram-focused personal injury case
Multiple cases scheduled for summer 2026
Litigation Timeline
Recent Developments
Primary Defendants
Major technology companies named in MDL 3047.
Key Figures
View AllFrances Haugen
Former Product Manager, Civic Integrity Team
Haugen's disclosures provide key evidence for plaintiffs' "knowledge" allegations—proving that Meta knew its products harmed minors and chose not to act. Her documents are cited extensively in the Amended Master Complaint and discovery requests.
Hon. Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers
United States District Judge
As the presiding judge over MDL 3047, Judge Rogers has made several pivotal rulings that have allowed the case to proceed. Her November 2023 ruling distinguishing product design from content—thereby limiting Section 230 immunity—is the most significant legal development in the litigation and may reshape platform liability law.
Hon. Carolyn B. Kuhl
California Superior Court Judge
As the presiding judge over the California JCCP, Judge Kuhl oversees 800+ state court cases running parallel to the federal MDL 3047. Her October 2023 ruling allowing claims to proceed reinforced the viability of design-based product liability theories.
Key Developments
Full MDL TimelineFirst Bellwether Trial Begins
Harford County Public Schools v. Meta et al. begins trial in Oakland, CA. First jury to hear evidence about social media design and youth mental health. Trial ongoing with 6-8 week expected duration. Verdict will influence thousands of pending cases.
Snap Settles Select Cases
Snap Inc. becomes first major defendant to settle, resolving an undisclosed number of cases including at least one bellwether. Terms confidential but signals significant litigation risk.
School Districts Can Proceed
Judge Rogers rules that school districts have standing to sue under public nuisance theory and can recover costs for mental health interventions, counseling, and crisis response.