Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, testified Wednesday in a Los Angeles courtroom, defending his company against accusations that Instagram is intentionally addictive and harmful to young users. The trial, a landmark case consolidating over 1,600 lawsuits, including claims from more than 350 families and 250 school districts, centers on allegations that Meta knowingly designed the platform to exploit vulnerabilities in young people’s brains.
During questioning by attorney Mark Lanier, representing plaintiff K.G.M., Zuckerberg addressed Meta’s policies regarding users under the age of 13. Instagram’s policy requires users to be at least 13 years old, but the app did not initiate requesting birthdate verification until 2019, a point highlighted by Lanier. Zuckerberg defended the policy as appropriate, despite the plaintiff’s claim of beginning Instagram use at age nine.
Zuckerberg stated that Meta does not seek to make Instagram addictive, asserting, “I’m focused on building a community that is sustainable,” and suggesting that long-term user engagement depends on user satisfaction. He further distanced himself from the idea that addictive design is a viable strategy, stating, “If you do something that’s not good for people, maybe they’ll spend more time [on Instagram] short term, but if they’re not happy with it, they’re not going to use it over time.” When pressed on whether addictive qualities drive usage, Zuckerberg responded, “I’m not sure what to say to that. I don’t believe that applies here.”
The case is being closely watched as a potential turning point in the legal landscape surrounding social media and its impact on youth mental health. Historically, social media companies have benefited from Section 230 of the Communications Act of 1934, which largely shields them from liability for user-generated content. However, this trial seeks to establish that the platforms themselves are responsible for the addictive nature of their designs and the resulting harm to young users.
Snapchat and TikTok previously reached settlements with K.G.M. Before the trial commenced. Adam Mosseri, CEO of Instagram, also testified earlier in the proceedings. The trial is expected to continue, with the jury ultimately deciding whether Meta and other social media companies bear responsibility for the alleged harms.
