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The $3m Verdict Against Meta And YouTube That Could Reshape Social Media

Published

3 weeks ago

March 25, 2026

the-$3m-verdict-against-meta-and-youtube-that-could-reshape-social-media

Concerns have been raised about the amount of time users spend on digital platforms. Photo credit: FotoField/Shutterstock

A jury in Los Angeles has found Meta and YouTube negligent in a closely watched case examining the impact of social media use on mental health. The verdict orders the companies to pay approximately $3 million (£2.4 million) in damages to a young woman who argued that prolonged exposure to their platforms contributed to serious psychological harm.

The plaintiff claimed she began using social media at a young age and developed compulsive patterns of engagement over time. According to court proceedings, this behaviour was linked to mental health difficulties including anxiety and depression. Jurors concluded that the companies did not take sufficient steps to protect users from foreseeable risks associated with extended and repetitive use.

The ruling is significant because it moves beyond debates over harmful content and instead focuses on whether the structure and design of platforms themselves can create conditions that contribute to harm.

Addictive design features under scrutiny

At the centre of the case was the argument that certain platform features are intentionally designed to maximise user engagement. Lawyers for the plaintiff pointed to tools such as infinite scrolling, algorithm-driven recommendations and frequent notifications as elements that encourage users to remain online for extended periods.

Expert witnesses argued that these features can interact with behavioural reward systems, reinforcing habits that are difficult to break. The claim was not that every user is affected in the same way, but that vulnerable individuals, particularly younger users, may be more susceptible to developing problematic usage patterns.

The jury’s finding of negligence suggests it accepted the argument that these design mechanisms can have real-world psychological consequences. This marks a notable development in legal thinking, shifting attention from what users see online to how platforms are engineered to keep them engaged.

Damages awarded and potential appeals

The compensation awarded, totalling around $3 million, is intended to address harm already suffered rather than to impose punitive penalties. While the financial amount is relatively small compared to the scale of the companies involved, the legal implications are potentially far-reaching.

Cases of this nature are rare, and the outcome may influence how similar claims are pursued in future. Legal analysts suggest that the verdict could be cited in ongoing and upcoming lawsuits involving social media use and mental health, particularly those focusing on young users.

Both companies are expected to challenge the ruling through the appeals process. Any appeal could clarify how responsibility is defined in cases involving digital platforms and user behaviour, potentially setting clearer legal standards.

Growing scrutiny of social media companies

The case comes at a time of increasing international attention on the role of technology companies in shaping online experiences. Policymakers in Europe and the United States have been exploring measures aimed at improving user safety, especially for children and teenagers.

Concerns have been raised about the amount of time users spend on digital platforms and the possible links to broader mental health trends. Regulators have also examined how algorithms prioritise content and whether greater transparency is needed.

Technology companies, for their part, have introduced various tools designed to promote responsible use, such as screen time reminders and parental controls. However, critics argue that these measures do not fully address underlying design choices that encourage prolonged engagement.

The Los Angeles verdict adds weight to calls for stronger oversight and may contribute to ongoing discussions about how to balance innovation with user protection.

Implications for the future of digital platforms

The outcome of the case is being viewed by many observers as a potential turning point in how courts approach accountability in the digital environment. By focusing on product design rather than individual pieces of content, the lawsuit opens a different legal pathway for challenging large technology firms.

If similar cases succeed, companies may face increased pressure to reconsider how their platforms are structured, particularly features that are seen to promote continuous use. This could lead to adjustments in design, though any changes are likely to be gradual and shaped by further legal and regulatory developments.

For users, the case highlights growing awareness of how digital habits are formed and maintained. For the industry, it signals that questions around responsibility and user wellbeing are likely to remain central in the years ahead.

A defining moment in tech accountability

While the long-term impact of the ruling will depend on appeals and future cases, the decision represents a notable moment in the evolving relationship between technology and public health. It demonstrates a willingness by courts to engage with complex questions about how digital products influence behaviour.

As similar claims continue to emerge, the case against Meta and YouTube is likely to be closely studied by legal experts, policymakers and industry leaders. It underscores a broader shift towards examining not just what platforms host, but how they operate, and what responsibilities come with that influence.

In that sense, the verdict may prove to be less about the financial penalty itself and more about the precedent it sets, marking a significant step in the ongoing debate over accountability in the digital age.

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Festival Of Legends Brings ABBA

Published

4 hours ago

April 13, 2026

Lucy Ramnought

ABBA fans may want to dust off their dancing shoes and warm up their vocal cords, because Festival of Legends is set to arrive at Casino Torrequebrada on Sunday April 19 with a tribute show packed with some of the Swedish group’s best-known hits.

The concert is opening up a new series of live shows at the venue, with organisers promising a programme dedicated to hosting a run of iconic music legends. First up is an evening centred on the hugely popular ABBA, giving fans the chance to relive classics including Dancing Queen, Mamma Mia, Waterloo, Chiquitita and many more.

Any fans of the iconic pop band will find it impossible not to sing along

If you have ever found it impossible not to sing along when those opening notes kick in, this one looks designed to deliver exactly that kind of feel-good atmosphere. Whether you are a lifelong ABBA fan, have kids new to the songs from the films or are simply partial to a bit of pop nostalgia, the opening show will be ready for you with a lively evening of familiar tunes and big chorus moments.

Ticket prices listed are €20 in advance plus booking fees, or €25 on the door. Doors are due to open at 5.30pm, with the show beginning at 6.30pm.

Ticket holders not only get a fun filled evening, they will receive a surprise gift, as well as two hours of free parking. A bar and restaurant service will be available, and the promotion also mentions a 10 per cent discount at the restaurant.

For ABBA music fans, it could be the perfect excuse for a Sunday outing to close off the weekend with a little extra glitter, plenty of nostalgia and more than a few chances to join in when the chorus kicks in.

Reservations for the Festival of Legends ABBA evening on April 19 are being taken on +34 633 647 260.

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Young Engineers Hold STEM Day Workshop

Published

17 hours ago

April 12, 2026

Lucy Ramnought

Families in Estepona looking for an educational activity during April will have the chance to sign children up for a special Children’s Day celebration workshop on Saturday, April 18, organised by Young Engineers Estepona.

The workshop has been organised to mark Children’s Day, aimed at children aged six and above and will take place from 11am to 1pm at Academia Elite Brain in Estepona.

The organisers describe the session as an opportunity for children to learn and create while enjoying a hands-on activity. Boys and girls aged six and over are invited to take part in what it calls a special Children’s Day experience, where they can discover, build and have fun while developing creativity and ingenuity.

The workshops are designed for primary school students

Young Engineers is part of the Young Engineers network, which offers engineering-based extracurricular activities for children in countries around the world, specialising in robotics workshops designed for primary school students, using practical and interactive methods to introduce key STEM concepts.

STEM refers to science, technology, engineering and mathematics, and the organisation says its programmes are designed to help children develop skills including critical thinking, problem solving, creativity and teamwork.

Their website lists a range of programmes for different age groups, with activities available for children from 4 to 15 years old. Session lengths vary depending on the programme, ranging from 45 minutes to 90 minutes.

The programmes offer practical learning activities

It’s a big organisation, with Young Engineers operating in more than 100 countries. The company says its mission is to prepare students aged 4 to 15 for the growing demands of the 21st-century workplace. It also states that the programme has been recognised by the Harvard School of Education and the European Union Commission.

For local families who would like to sample what they have to offer, the April 18 workshop is the perfect day for little ones to combine a Children’s Day celebration with a practical learning activity.

The event takes place at Academia Elite Brain in Estepona from 11am to 1pm on Saturday, April 18. The price is €30 and bookings are being taken via WhatsApp on +34 672 539 104. For more information about the company you can visit their website.

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Marbella’s Young Entrepreneurs Triumph At Pool Of Talents 2026

Published

17 hours ago

April 12, 2026

Adam Woodward

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Kerim presents F925 to sharks at Marbella Pool of Talents 2026. Credit: EWN

Pool of Talents celebrated its 2026 finals on the morning of Saturday, April 11, at The Pool venue above El Corte Inglés in Marbella. Over 100 excited attendees packed the space to witness eight ambitious student startups pitch live to a professional and highly successful investor jury in a high-stakes showdown.

Pool of talents empowers Marbella’s next generation entrepreneurs

University-level student-led from its inception, Pool of Talents connects internationally educated youth aged 16 to 21 with practical pathways into business, technology, finance and creative industries. Internships with leading Marbella firms, industry site visits, case competitions and expert talks serve to equip participants with real skills before university. Its flagship programme, the Marbella Youth Entrepreneurship Cup, or MEC for short, stands out as the annual highlight.

Shark tank concept propels innovative pitches

MEC 2026 mirrored classic shark tank formats with precision, giving a competitive dynamic to drive the young entrepreneurs as much as entertain the audience. Young entrepreneurs formed teams, carefully created viable company ideas, received mentor guidance and delivered sharp three-minute pitches to a panel of three experienced business investors. Eight finalists competed for €3,000 seed funding and six months of professional mentorship, transforming classroom theories into market-ready proposals under real pressure, facing a real audience.

Marbella's budding entrepreneurs triumph at Pool of Talents 2026 finals Euro Weekly News

Karim Rebeiz snatches victory with F925.

Karim Rebeiz from Madrid claimed top honours with his already successful and up-and-running F925 venture. Judges selected the cheeky entry (F925 – standing for F*** 9 to 5 jobs) after intense scrutiny, praising its originality and already established success. Winning at the Marbella event instantly boosted visibility for the winner and revealed the calibre of emerging local talent.

Events like MEC nurture economic growth

Such competitions cultivate leadership, critical thinking and networking abilities essential for tomorrow’s economy. Pool of Talents initiatives give students genuine exposure to investors and industry leaders, accelerating innovation and confidence. Marbella benefits directly as these young business talents gain tools to launch ventures, create jobs and strengthen the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem for decades to come.