Snap settles bellwether teen social-media harm case

Snap, Snapchat’s parent company, confidentially settled claims brought by two teenagers during jury selection in a Los Angeles bellwether trial, days before opening arguments; Snap CEO Evan Spiegel had been expected to testify. The teens alleged Snapchat’s design encouraged compulsive use and contributed to mental health problems, including depression, anxiety and eating disorders. They had already settled claims against Meta, TikTok and YouTube, leaving Snap as the final defendant in the case. Snap says it has introduced safeguards and prioritizes user safety, while social media companies deny deliberately designing their platforms to addict young people. The settlement avoids a jury decision, while thousands of related lawsuits remain pending and further bellwether cases are expected. Plaintiffs’ lawyers say the cases seek accountability and lasting design changes to protect children.