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Economy|Social MediaMeta’s Zuckerberg pushes back on social media youth addiction claimsIn a Los Angeles court, the Meta CEO was questioned about whether Instagram’s design contributed to addictive behavior among young users

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg appeared in a Los Angeles court as part of a trial assessing Instagram's impact on the mental health of young users. The trial involves allegations that Meta's platforms have adversely affected the mental health of a user,…

DBy Danielle FrostFeb 19, 20262 min read

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg appeared in a Los Angeles court as part of a trial assessing Instagram's impact on the mental health of young users. The trial involves allegations that Meta's platforms have adversely affected the mental health of a user, identified as KGM, who began using these social media services during childhood.

Zuckerberg addressed claims that he misled Congress regarding the design objectives of Meta's platforms. He was questioned about his 2024 congressional testimony, where he stated that Meta did not aim to maximize user time on its applications. In contrast, emails from 2014 and 2015 presented during the trial showed Zuckerberg discussing goals to increase app usage time. Zuckerberg acknowledged previous goals but stated that the company has since revised its approach.

The trial could result in Meta being liable for damages, potentially affecting existing legal defenses that limit platform accountability for user harm. TikTok and Snap, previously involved in the case, have settled for undisclosed terms. The trial is part of a broader series of lawsuits against major social media companies, alleging that their features contribute to addiction and mental health issues among young users.

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg appeared in a Los Angeles court as part of a trial assessing Instagram's impact on the mental health of young users.
Danielle Frost · Thehackingpost

Meta has denied the allegations, maintaining that Instagram was not a significant factor in KGM's mental health struggles. They attribute her issues to personal circumstances, asserting Instagram was a coping mechanism. Meta emphasizes its commitment to supporting young users, highlighting new safety features introduced in 2025, such as restrictions on live streaming for users under 16 and partnerships with schools to address cyberbullying.

Potential Impact on Social Media Regulation

This case could influence future social media regulations, drawing comparisons to historical legal challenges faced by the tobacco industry. The trial has prompted discussions about Section 230 of the Communications Act, which shields internet companies from liability for user-generated content. Critics argue for increased responsibilities for social media platforms, particularly in light of artificial intelligence and online abuse concerns.

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Meta's stock experienced a slight increase of 0.61 percent during regular trading hours but showed a decline in after-hours trading at the time of publication.

Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.

AI transparency. This article was produced with the assistance of artificial intelligence and published under human editorial oversight. AI systems can make mistakes. Read how we use AI (EU AI Act, Art. 50).
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