Meta’s Zuckerberg pushes back on social media youth addiction claims | Social Media News
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg Testifies in Landmark Instagram Trial
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg appeared in a Los Angeles courtroom Wednesday as the trial examining Instagram’s impact on youth mental health unfolded. The case involves a woman identified as KGM, who claims that her use of Instagram and YouTube during childhood contributed to suicidal thoughts and depression.
During his testimony, Zuckerberg countered allegations from attorney Mark Lanier, representing KGM, who accused him of misleading Congress about the design of Meta’s platforms. In a 2024 Congressional hearing, Zuckerberg stated that the company did not aim to maximize user engagement. However, Lanier presented emails from 2014 and 2015 where Zuckerberg discussed goals to significantly increase time users spent on the app.
“I strongly disagree with the suggestion that my testimony was inaccurate,” Zuckerberg stated during the proceedings.
The stakes are considerable in this jury trial. If Meta loses, it could face financial damages, potentially altering the standard legal protections that have long shielded technology companies from liability related to user harm.
TikTok and Snap, initially named in the suit, reached settlements prior to the trial, with terms undisclosed.
This case marks the beginning of numerous similar lawsuits, with around 1,600 claims filed by families, school districts, and states across the U.S. These lawsuits allege that social media platforms have deliberately created addictive features that impact the mental health of young users.
Tre Lovell, a media law expert based in Los Angeles, said the verdict could set a precedent for future cases. If the plaintiffs do not prevail, it may bolster arguments that social media platforms are not liable for user harm.
Meta has denied KGM’s allegations, with a company spokesperson expressing confidence that evidence would demonstrate its commitment to supporting youth. “For over a decade, we’ve consulted with parents, experts, and law enforcement to better understand these issues,” the spokesperson added.
The company has rolled out new safety measures, including restrictions for teens under 16 on Instagram live broadcasts and a partnership program with schools to expedite the review of complaints.
Zuckerberg’s testimony followed Adam Mosseri, Instagram’s head, who indicated he was unaware of an internal Meta study stating no connection between parental supervision and teenagers’ social media engagement. The findings presented at the trial suggested that teens with difficult life circumstances reported higher instances of habitual Instagram use.
While KGM’s mental health challenges were not disputed by Meta’s legal team, they portrayed Instagram as a minor factor in her struggles, attributing her experiences to deeper personal issues.
As this trial progresses, it is expected to have far-reaching implications. Legal experts draw parallels to historical lawsuits against the tobacco industry. Currently, Section 230 of the Communications Act of 1934 protects internet companies from liability for user-generated content, but calls for reform are intensifying.
“Lawmakers might need to consider establishing clearer obligations for social media companies,” Lovell remarked, emphasizing the need for regulatory measures against online harm.
Following the day’s proceedings, Meta’s stock closed up 0.61%, though it experienced a decline in after-hours trading.
