Closing arguments begin Thursday in a California Superior Court trial examining social media's addictive design. The case has scrutinized how platforms like Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube manipulate user behavior through algorithms and engagement features. Tech giants face mounting pressure as evidence mounts about the psychological impact of endless scrolling and dopamine-driven design.

For years, critics have warned about social media's effects on mental health, particularly among teenagers. Internal documents from Meta and Alphabet revealed executives knew about potential harms yet prioritized engagement metrics. The trial has brought these concerns into sharp focus, with former employees testifying about pressure to maximize user time on platforms. Public opinion has largely formed against tech companies, with surveys showing growing support for stricter regulations.

Whether the court delivers a landmark verdict or not, the broader societal judgment is already clear. Parents, educators, and policymakers increasingly view addictive social media design as a public health issue. The trial's conclusion may formalize what many already believe: that tech platforms must fundamentally change how they capture and hold user attention.