Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg is testifying today in a U.S. court case regarding alleged social media addiction among minors. The lawsuit claims that Instagram and other platforms were intentionally designed to foster addictive behavior in young users.
Zuckerberg was called to testify by the plaintiffs’ attorneys, who argue that the platforms’ algorithms and design encourage prolonged use and potentially harmful habits among teenagers.
Earlier, on February 11, Instagram head Adam Mosseri testified, rejecting the term “social media addiction” and preferring to discuss “problematic use.” Mosseri likened the behavior to binge-watching a TV series late into the night, emphasizing that it does not constitute clinical addiction.
Psychiatrist Anna Lembke also testified, explaining that social media can act as a “gateway drug” for young people, given their still-developing brains.
During the proceedings, internal company communications were reviewed, including a 2020 decision to allow cosmetic surgery filters on Instagram despite warnings about potential negative effects on teenage girls. Some executives pushed for reintroducing the filters to remain competitive with other platforms.
The Los Angeles case is unfolding alongside a similar national lawsuit before a federal judge in Oakland, California. Meta is also facing a separate trial in New Mexico this month, where plaintiffs claim the company prioritized profit over protecting minors.
Zuckerberg’s testimony is expected to be a pivotal moment in the trial, with broader implications for the regulation of social media and its impact on young users.
