Instagram Chief Executive Adam Mosseri testified in a landmark trial this week that the social media platform is not “clinically addictive,” despite facing allegations that it prioritizes profit over the mental health of young users. The case, unfolding in California, centers on claims that Instagram and its parent company, Meta, intentionally designed their apps to foster compulsive behavior, body dysmorphia, and depression.
Mosseri acknowledged that excessive employ of the platform can have negative consequences, but maintained that Meta carefully reviews features intended for young people before their release. He likened the urge to continue using social media to the appeal of a compelling television show, distinguishing it from a clinical addiction, which he described as a far more serious condition. “We’re trying to be as safe as possible without censoring too much,” Mosseri stated, adding that a balance must be struck between safety and freedom of expression.
The lawsuit was brought by a 20-year-classic Californian, and initially included claims against YouTube and Snap. Snap and TikTok have already reached settlements prior to trial, leaving Meta and YouTube as the remaining defendants. Attorneys representing the plaintiff drew parallels between social media platforms and digital casinos, citing internal Meta documents that suggest similarities to the tactics employed by the gambling and tobacco industries. A victory for the plaintiffs could open the door to substantial damages and force the companies to fundamentally redesign their apps, according to reports from The Recent York Times.
During questioning, Mosseri faced scrutiny regarding specific platform features, including beauty filters and the infinite scroll mechanism. Internal documents from 2019 revealed discussions about lifting a ban on filters that mimic plastic surgery. Despite internal warnings about potential psychological harm to young users, Mosseri and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg ultimately decided to remove the prohibition.
Meta countered arguments in court by asserting that the plaintiff’s struggles were primarily rooted in familial circumstances. Mosseri likewise highlighted recent safety measures implemented by the company, such as restricting adult content for teenage users and introducing muted notifications during nighttime hours. He argued that safety and profitability are not mutually exclusive, asserting that long-term business success depends on maintaining a secure platform.
According to reporting by the BBC, Mosseri characterized 16 hours of daily Instagram use as “problematic” rather than indicative of addiction. This distinction was also echoed in testimony reported by CNBC, where Mosseri compared social media engagement to being “hooked on a Netflix show.”
The trial continues, with the outcome potentially setting a precedent for how social media companies are held accountable for the well-being of their users. Meta has not yet commented on the specific details of the 2019 filter decision beyond the testimony provided by Mosseri.
