A major court case has just begun, designed to examine whether social media platforms are intentionally designed to keep children engaged in harmful ways. A young woman, ‘Kaley’, alleges that after she began using Meta and WhatsApp as a child, she developed anxiety, distorted body image, and suicidal thoughts after prolonged exposure. Company leaders argue they implemented safety measures and relied on research showing mixed evidence about mental health harm. Parents, however, say their children were exploited through addictive features and inadequate age protections. The trial, which started by cross-examining Mark Zuckerberg, might influence hundreds of similar cases and could force changes to how social media platforms operate. The debate raises broader concerns about technology, profit, responsibility, and the wellbeing of young people growing up online.

In western Syria, families live with fear after reports of kidnappings targeting women from the Alawite minority. Survivors describe being seized by armed men, beaten, threatened, and sometimes assaulted while held in secret locations for days or weeks. Human rights groups have recorded dozens of cases since the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad (an Alawite) in December 2024, but many families say the authorities have failed to investigate properly. Some victims were questioned about their identity and accused because of their background, leaving deep trauma and stigma. Several families fled their homes, afraid of retaliation if they spoke publicly. Even after release, women struggle with nightmares, broken relationships, and isolation. The crisis highlights how instability can expose vulnerable people to exploitation and revenge.