In this episode, Dr. Suzette Glasner addresses the core question that will be evaluated by the jury in the Los Angeles-based case initiating trial proceedings against defendants Meta and Google : are the features of social media apps designed to get kids and teens hooked? The case involves an individual identified by the initials "K.G.M." who is now a young adult, alleging that she became addicted to social media as a child and this had detrimental effects on her mental health, worsening depression and leading to suicidality. You can watch or listen to the full episode on The Dr. Suzette Glasner Podcast here.

K.G.M.'s is the first of over 1,000 cases that have been filed against a variety of social media companies to go to trial.TikTok and Snap, Inc., the parent company for Snapchat, settled for undisclosed amounts in advance of the trial initiation. Dr. Glasner explains the neuroscience underlying obsessive and repetitive behaviors around social media, and how the design features of the most commonly used apps can shape these behaviors among children and teens, given their psychology and the stage of brain development they are in. . Rooted in scientific facts about child and teen psychology and behavior, Dr. Glasner provides a factual picture of the impact of "sticky" design features that make it hard to disengage from social media on child and teen screen behavior, the effects of excessive social media use on well-being, and the state of the science on addiction to social media.on, and why some people take longer than others to achieve long-term stability. If you or someone you love is using social media excessively this episode offers clear, evidence-based information about problematic use of social media and how today’s apps can make it difficult for kids and teens to put them down. Thank you for being here and being part of this community.⸻ Have a question about today’s episode? Or a question you’d like me to cover in a future episode?

Email: askdrglasner@gmail.com