Social media trial verdict: What happens now, how much will tech giants really pay?

A $6 million verdict against Meta and Google in a closely watched social media addiction trial may signal the start of a far broader legal threat for the tech giants.

A Los Angeles jury on Wednesday found both companies liable for designing addictive platforms for young users, awarding $3 million in compensatory damages and another $3 million in punitive damages.

Monte Mann, a business trial lawyer at Armstrong Teasdale, said appeals are expected, but the larger implications could be far more consequential.