Uploaded April 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Laura Marquez-Garrett left a two-decade Big Law career to become one of the most powerful legal voices fighting for kids harmed by social media — and in March 2026, they helped make history. As counsel of record in the first-ever trial to hold Meta and YouTube liable for harming a child through addictive platform design, Laura joins us to break down what the $6 million verdict actually means, what the companies' own internal documents revealed about what they knew, and why they call this case "a vehicle, not an outcome." If you've been watching the headlines and wondering what it all means for your family, this is the episode you need to hear.
Connect with and follow Laura on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/laura-marquez-garrett-447a491b
Learn more about Laura: socialmediavictims.org/attorney/laura-marquez-garrett
Resources and topics mentioned in this episode:
- nbcnews.com/tech/tech-news/verdict-reached-landmark-social-media-addiction-trial-rcna263421
- nmdoj.gov/press-release/new-mexico-department-of-justice-wins-landmark-verdict-against-meta
- amazon.com/Careless-People-Cautionary-Power-Idealism/dp/1250391237
- anxiousgeneration.com/book
0:00 Laura Marquez-Garrett on the Meta & YouTube Trial
Introduction to the lawsuit against major tech platforms and why this case matters for families and child online safety.
3:45 Why Social Media Addiction Is a Legal Issue
Laura explains how addictive design, platform accountability, and youth mental health became central legal questions.
8:30 How Meta and YouTube Design for Engagement
A look at product features that keep kids scrolling, watching, and returning to platforms.
14:15 What Parents Should Know About Addictive Technology
Practical context for families trying to understand social media risks, screen time, and online safety for kids.
20:40 Evidence in the Meta and YouTube Case
Discussion of internal documents, platform decisions, and what the trial may reveal about Big Tech.
27:55 Youth Mental Health and Social Media Harm
Laura breaks down how online platforms can affect anxiety, depression, sleep, and child development.
35:10 Holding Big Tech Accountable
What legal accountability could look like for companies accused of prioritizing engagement over child safety.
42:25 What Comes Next After the Trial
Possible outcomes, policy changes, and what families should watch for as the case moves forward.
50:30 Digital Parenting in the Age of Big Tech
Advice for parents navigating social media safety, device boundaries, and conversations with kids.
58:45 Final Takeaways on Kids, Technology, and Accountability
Closing thoughts on protecting children online and building a safer digital future.
Laura Marquez-Garrett left a two-decade Big Law career to become one of the most powerful legal voices fighting for kids harmed by social media — and in March 2026, they helped make history. As counsel of record in the first-ever trial to hold Meta and YouTube liable for harming a child through addictive platform design, Laura joins us to break down what the $6 million verdict actually means, what the companies' own internal documents revealed about what they knew, and why they call this case "a vehicle, not an outcome." If you've been watching the headlines and wondering what it all means for your family, this is the episode you need to hear.
Connect with and follow Laura on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/laura-marquez-garrett-447a491b
Learn more about Laura: socialmediavictims.org/attorney/laura-marquez-garrett
Resources and topics mentioned in this episode:
- nbcnews.com/tech/tech-news/verdict-reached-landmark-social-media-addiction-trial-rcna263421
- nmdoj.gov/press-release/new-mexico-department-of-justice-wins-landmark-verdict-against-meta
- amazon.com/Careless-People-Cautionary-Power-Idealism/dp/1250391237
- anxiousgeneration.com/book
0:00 Laura Marquez-Garrett on the Meta & YouTube Trial
Introduction to the lawsuit against major tech platforms and why this case matters for families and child online safety.
3:45 Why Social Media Addiction Is a Legal Issue
Laura explains how addictive design, platform accountability, and youth mental health became central legal questions.
8:30 How Meta and YouTube Design for Engagement
A look at product features that keep kids scrolling, watching, and returning to platforms.
14:15 What Parents Should Know About Addictive Technology
Practical context for families trying to understand social media risks, screen time, and online safety for kids.
20:40 Evidence in the Meta and YouTube Case
Discussion of internal documents, platform decisions, and what the trial may reveal about Big Tech.
27:55 Youth Mental Health and Social Media Harm
Laura breaks down how online platforms can affect anxiety, depression, sleep, and child development.
35:10 Holding Big Tech Accountable
What legal accountability could look like for companies accused of prioritizing engagement over child safety.
42:25 What Comes Next After the Trial
Possible outcomes, policy changes, and what families should watch for as the case moves forward.
50:30 Digital Parenting in the Age of Big Tech
Advice for parents navigating social media safety, device boundaries, and conversations with kids.
58:45 Final Takeaways on Kids, Technology, and Accountability
Closing thoughts on protecting children online and building a safer digital future.
