Meta has settled with K.D.B., the 18-year-old Mississippi woman whose claims against Meta were set to go before a Los Angeles jury, during jury selection in the second social media addiction trial. Meta had already settled with the other plaintiff, a 16-year-old Illinois girl identified as S.J., days before the trial began. Snap is now the only company left to face the jury.
Judge Carolyn B. Kuhl of Los Angeles County Superior Court was told of the settlement Thursday night, and it was announced Friday, October 30. Terms were not made public. Because Meta no longer faces either plaintiff, CEO Mark Zuckerberg will not have to testify in this trial.
What K.D.B. Alleged
K.D.B. alleged she became addicted to Instagram, Facebook and Snapchat as a child. The two plaintiffs allege their compulsive use contributed to depression and anxiety, disordered eating, and self-harm and suicidal thoughts. TikTok and YouTube settled with both girls before trial. Her claims against Snap, and S.J.’s, go forward.
Meta said it will keep defending itself in court and stands by its record, citing protections it has added for teens. K.D.B.’s trial lawyer said the legal team was pleased to reach a just resolution for her client.
Snap Stands Trial Alone
This will be the first time Snap faces a jury on these claims. The girls allege that Snapchat features like Snapstreaks, push notifications and view counts kept them using the app compulsively. Snap denies the claims and says its app was built differently from feed-based platforms. Opening statements are expected November 4, and before Meta settled, the trial had been expected to last into mid-December. For background, see Two Teens Take Meta and Snap to Trial in Los Angeles.
What It Means for Families
Meta has now settled every plaintiff it was set to face in this trial. In the first individual social media addiction trial, a Los Angeles jury in March 2026 found Meta and YouTube negligent and awarded a young woman identified as K.G.M. $6 million. See Meta’s trials and our settlements and verdicts page.
A settlement with one plaintiff does not pay anyone else. Meta still faces thousands of claims in California and federal court, more test trials are scheduled for 2027, and Meta’s settlement with state attorneys general pays the states, not families. Families who want compensation for a child’s treatment and suffering must file their own claims.
Who May Have a Claim
Two things matter most: the young person started using Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Snapchat or YouTube heavily before age 18 and is now 25 or younger, and a doctor, therapist or counselor diagnosed or treated depression or severe anxiety, an eating disorder or body dysmorphia, or self-harm, suicidal thoughts or a suicide attempt. You do not need to meet every detail to reach out. See who may qualify.
Families who lost a child may also have a claim.
Doyle APC handles social media addiction claims together with experienced co-counsel.
If you or your child is in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
Common Questions
How much did Meta pay K.D.B.?
The terms were not made public. Settlement amounts in individual cases are usually kept confidential.
Why do companies settle right before trial?
A settlement avoids the risk of a jury verdict and keeps evidence and executive testimony out of open court. Each company decides for its own reasons, and Meta has not explained its decision.
Does this settlement help other families?
It resolves only K.D.B.’s case against Meta. Thousands of other claims against Meta are still pending, and families who want compensation must file their own.
Is it too late to file a claim?
No global settlement for families has been announced, and new claims are still being filed. Each state sets its own deadline, so it is worth acting soon.
What compensation can a family seek?
Claims seek medical and counseling expenses, past and future, along with compensation for pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life. You pay nothing unless there is a recovery.