Capstone Research: Entry Five

Addictive Design and Legal Accountability in Social Media

This week, I explored a recent court case that examines whether social media platforms are intentionally designed to encourage addictive behavior. The case involved a plaintiff, K.G.M., who sued Meta Platforms and Google, arguing that features like infinite scrolling and algorithm-driven recommendations contributed to serious mental health issues.

In March 2026, the jury ruled in favor of the plaintiff, awarding her $6 million in damages. This decision is important because it suggests that platform design itself (not just user behavior) can be held responsible for harm. It raises questions about whether features commonly used in apps like TikTok are intentionally designed to keep users engaged for long periods.

What I find most relevant to my project is how this case reframes familiar design elements as persuasive tools. Features like TikTok’s endless feed and personalized “For You Page” mirror the same engagement strategies discussed in the lawsuit. These systems rely on constant stimulation and reward cycles that directly connect to the fast-paced, immersive experience I plan to recreate in my project. 

This resource is useful because it provides real-world evidence that supports my project’s central question: are these platforms simply entertaining, or are they designed to be habit-forming? 

I also looked at a related case led by Raúl Torrez, which further highlights growing legal scrutiny around user safety (especially for younger users) and platform responsibility. Overall, this research reinforces the idea that design choices have powerful behavioral effects, which is something I aim to incorporate through both the content and style of my video.


K.G.M. v. Meta Articles: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/25/technology/social-media-trial-verdict.html

https://www.npr.org/2026/03/25/nx-s1-5746125/meta-youtube-social-media-trial-verdict

New Mexico v. Meta Platforms, Inc Articles: https://nmdoj.gov/press-release/new-mexico-department-of-justice-wins-landmark-verdict-against-meta/

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/24/technology/meta-new-mexico-child-safety-violations.html


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