Video: Social Media Addiction Lawsuits and the TikTok Settlement Explained
February 03, 2026
Transcript
Social Media Addiction Lawsuits and the TikTok Settlement Explained
This week, TikTok settled a major lawsuit, and that settlement is accelerating one of the largest legal battles Big Tech has ever faced.
I am attorney Tracy Paulsen, founder of Rightful Legal. Right now, we are seeing a critical shift in how courts treat social media harm and addiction, especially when it comes to children and teenagers.
Why This Settlement Matters
On January 27, 2026, TikTok agreed to settle a landmark case alleging that its platform was designed in a way that fueled addictive use in minors, contributing to depression and suicidal thoughts.
That settlement occurred the same day jury selection was scheduled to begin in a bellwether trial against Meta and other defendants in California. The timing is not a coincidence, and it matters.
Across the country, hundreds of similar lawsuits have now been consolidated into a federal multidistrict litigation, commonly referred to as an MDL.
How MDL Lawsuits Work
An MDL is not a class action lawsuit.
In an MDL, each injured person or family keeps their own individual case. However, common evidence such as internal corporate documents, expert testimony, and key legal rulings is coordinated in one federal court. This process allows the litigation to move forward more efficiently while preserving each claimant’s right to an individual outcome.
Companies Named in the Social Media MDL
The defendants in this MDL include:
- Meta Platforms, which owns Facebook and Instagram
- Google and YouTube
- Snap Inc., the owner of Snapchat
- ByteDance and TikTok
These cases focus on product design, not user content.
Product Design vs User Content
The lawsuits target specific design features, including:
- Infinite scroll
- Autoplay
- Push notifications
- Algorithmic reward systems
These features are alleged to bypass adolescent impulse control and contribute to compulsive use.
Courts are increasingly rejecting the idea that social media companies are automatically protected simply because they are technology platforms. Judges have ruled that addictive design features can be treated as products, not speech. This distinction allows juries to decide whether these designs are unreasonably dangerous to developing young brains.
Who May Be Eligible for a Social Media Harm Claim
From a legal standpoint, social media harm claims generally require very specific criteria.
In most cases, a claimant must:
- Have used TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, or YouTube between the ages of 8 and 18
- Be 25 years old or younger today
- Have used these platforms heavily, often three or more times per day
- Have suffered documented mental health harm, including depression, anxiety, eating disorders, body dysmorphia, self harm, or suicidal ideation
Medical or mental health treatment must be connected to the harm.
How Rightful Legal Helps Families
At Rightful Legal, we focus on complex, emerging litigation where technology, corporate responsibility, and real human harm intersect.
I work directly with families to evaluate eligibility, preserve critical evidence, and guide clients through the MDL process. This includes explaining how bellwether trials and global litigation strategy can affect outcomes.
These cases are not about blaming children or parents. They are about corporate choices and accountability.
Why Timing Matters
The TikTok settlement is a signal, not the end of this fight.
MDLs move on strict timelines, and waiting too long can permanently bar a claim. If social media addiction caused serious harm to you or someone you love, now is the time to understand your rights.
Contact Rightful Legal
Call Rightful Legal today at 617-821-5856.
There is no cost to speak with us, and you will speak directly with me, Tracy Paulsen.
This is one of the most important legal fights of our generation. Please do not wait.


