US states take on Meta in pivotal trial over child social media addiction claims
Tuesday, 18 August 2026
Warm-up
- Do you think social media companies should change app design to protect children?
- What features of social apps make users spend more time online?
- Have you seen news about legal cases against tech companies recently?
Vocabulary
- unprecedented
- Never done or seen before; without earlier example.
- lure
- To attract people by offering something tempting or interesting.
- compel
- To force or strongly influence someone to do something.
- algorithm
- A set of computer rules that decides what content a user sees.
- manipulative
- Intended to control or influence people in an unfair or secret way.
- vulnerable
- Easily hurt or affected, especially because of age or situation.
- liability
- A legal responsibility for harm or loss that can require payment.
- refine
- To improve something by making small changes over time.
Reading
More than half of US states have joined an unprecedented lawsuit against Meta, the parent company of Instagram and Facebook. The jury trial is in federal court in Oakland and is expected to last six to eight weeks. States led by California, Colorado, Kentucky and New Jersey say Meta deliberately designed apps that lured and compelled young people to spend excessive time online. The 233-page lawsuit, filed in October 2023, alleges Meta collected data on children under 13 without permission and refused to abandon known harmful features. The states say young people are especially vulnerable to these features and to pressure from peers. Prosecutors will show internal research, including a 2019 survey of 2,500 teens, to support their case. Lawyers describe manipulative refinements such as infinite scrolling, a recommendation algorithm, constant notifications, likes and visual filters that change images. The states seek changes to product design and say damages could reach $200bn; they say Meta may face liability for the harm. Meta denies the claims and calls the financial demands disproportionate. A recent New Mexico ruling ordered Meta to pay $567m, bringing that state total to $942m.
Comprehension
- Where is the trial taking place?
- How long might the trial last?
- Which four states are leading the proceedings?
- What internal research will prosecutors present?
- What two remedies do the states request if Meta is found liable?
Grammar focus
Adverbs and adverbial phrases: degree
Degree adverbs (very, extremely, slightly, too, enough) tell us how strong something is. They modify adjectives or verbs: "The claims were very serious" becomes "The claims were extremely serious". (Examples constructed.)
- Meta's demands were very excessive and drew wide criticism.
- States say features are highly addictive for many teens.
Grammar exercise
Circle the correct option in each sentence.
- States called the damages (very / fairly) excessive.
- Prosecutors said teens felt (much / extremely) pressured.
- Meta described the judgment as (quite / overly) disproportionate.
- Engagement rose (significant / significantly) after updates.
- Lawyers argued the design was (too / enough) addictive.
Discussion
- Should designers be legally responsible for how apps affect children?
- Which app feature is most important to regulate and why?
- Would fines or design rules better protect young people?
- How could schools help students use social media more safely?
Vocabulary, reading, and exercises with instant feedback