Instagram CEO Testifies in Teen Addiction Trial: Zuckerberg to Follow

February 12, 2026 Lucas Fernandez – World Editor World

LOS ANGELES – Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri testified Wednesday that he does not believe individuals can become clinically addicted to social media, as a landmark trial examining the platforms’ potential harm to young users entered its second day. Mosseri, head of Meta’s Instagram, made the assertion while facing questioning in a Los Angeles County Superior Court, according to reports from the Associated Press and NBC News.

The trial centers on a lawsuit brought by 20-year-old K.G.M., who alleges that her early and extensive use of social media platforms, including Instagram, YouTube, TikTok and Snapchat, led to addiction and exacerbated mental health issues. K.G.M. Claims the companies knowingly designed their platforms to be addictive to children for profit. The case is considered a “bellwether trial,” potentially setting a precedent for over 1,600 similar lawsuits against the tech companies.

Mosseri distinguished between “clinical addiction” and “problematic use,” stating that while people may spend excessive time on platforms like Instagram, it doesn’t necessarily equate to a clinical addiction comparable to substance abuse or gambling addiction. He cited his own experience with streaming services as an example, noting he might say he’s “addicted” to a Netflix series, but that differs from a clinical diagnosis. NBC News reported Mosseri also stated that the company does not intentionally engineer the platform to be addictive.

The Instagram CEO also addressed concerns about the platform’s beauty filters, which have been accused of promoting unrealistic beauty standards and encouraging cosmetic surgery. Mosseri acknowledged the tension between safety and freedom of expression, stating that Instagram strives to be as safe as possible while minimizing censorship, according to the AP.

The trial follows settlements reached by TikTok and Snap with K.G.M. Prior to the start of proceedings. Both companies remain defendants in the broader set of lawsuits. Meta founder Mark Zuckerberg is scheduled to testify on February 18, with YouTube CEO Neal Mohan expected to follow at a later date.