EPISODE · Apr 14, 2026 · 36 MIN
Meta Knew It Was Harming Kids… And Did It Anyway | Big Tech’s Tobacco Moment?
from Rethinking Tech · host Rethinking Tech
RT Deep DivesTwo juries. Two states. One message: Big Tech knew.This week, courts ruled that platforms like Meta and YouTube were aware their products were harming children—yet continued to prioritize engagement and profit. So why did it take 20 years to reach this point?In this episode, we break down what could be a defining moment for social media—drawing parallels to Big Tobacco, exploring the role of addictive design, and questioning whether fines and lawsuits can actually change Big Tech behavior.We also dig into the bigger picture:Are these platforms just responding to incentives… or deliberately engineering addiction?What this episode covers:The landmark verdicts against Meta and YouTubeWhy this is being called Big Tech’s “Big Tobacco moment”How algorithms and UX design drive addiction (not just content)Why fines like $375M may change nothingThe real battle: platform design vs regulationWhat 2,400+ pending cases could mean for the futureWhy this matters:This isn’t just about kids or social media anymore.It’s about how digital systems are designed to influence behavior at scale—and whether accountability is finally catching up.🔗 Connect with Us📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RethinkingTech🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6NYgOPmYW6Ba2LFn3IBST3🍏 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rethinking-tech/id1795651530📸 TikTok: @rethinking_tech💼 LinkedIn: Rethinking Tech Podcast👤 Aparna: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aparnabhushan/👤 Harinda: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harindak/
What this episode covers
RT Deep DivesTwo juries. Two states. One message: Big Tech knew.This week, courts ruled that platforms like Meta and YouTube were aware their products were harming children—yet continued to prioritize engagement and profit. So why did it take 20 years to reach this point?In this episode, we break down what could be a defining moment for social media—drawing parallels to Big Tobacco, exploring the role of addictive design, and questioning whether fines and lawsuits can actually change Big Tech behavior.We also dig into the bigger picture:Are these platforms just responding to incentives… or deliberately engineering addiction?What this episode covers:The landmark verdicts against Meta and YouTubeWhy this is being called Big Tech’s “Big Tobacco moment”How algorithms and UX design drive addiction (not just content)Why fines like $375M may change nothingThe real battle: platform design vs regulationWhat 2,400+ pending cases could mean for the futureWhy this matters:This isn’t just about kids or social media anymore.It’s about how digital systems are designed to influence behavior at scale—and whether accountability is finally catching up.🔗 Connect with Us📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RethinkingTech🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6NYgOPmYW6Ba2LFn3IBST3🍏 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rethinking-tech/id1795651530📸 TikTok: @rethinking_tech💼 LinkedIn: Rethinking Tech Podcast👤 Aparna: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aparnabhushan/👤 Harinda: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harindak/
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Meta Knew It Was Harming Kids… And Did It Anyway | Big Tech’s Tobacco Moment?
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