Mark Zuckerberg to Testify in Youth Social Media Addiction Trial
Meta Platforms CEO and Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg is set to testify in a U.S. court for the first time about Instagram’s impact on young users’ mental health. The testimony comes as a high-profile youth social media addiction trial continues in Los Angeles.
Although Zuckerberg has previously addressed lawmakers in Congress on related issues, this jury trial carries greater legal and financial risks. If Meta loses the case, the company could face significant damages. The outcome may also challenge Big Tech’s long-standing legal protections against claims of user harm.
Growing Global Scrutiny of Social Media Platforms
The lawsuit reflects a broader global backlash against social media platforms over concerns about children’s mental health.
Australia has banned social media access for users under 16, while countries such as Spain are considering similar restrictions. In the United States, Florida has introduced legislation prohibiting social media access for children under 14. Technology trade groups are currently challenging the law in court.
Allegations Against Meta and Google
The case centers on a California woman who began using Instagram and YouTube as a child. She alleges that Meta and Google intentionally designed their platforms to keep young users engaged, despite knowing the potential risks to mental health.
According to the complaint, prolonged use of social media contributed to her depression and suicidal thoughts. She is seeking damages and wants the companies held accountable.
Meta and Google have denied the allegations. Both companies argue they have implemented safety features to protect young users. Meta has also cited research from the National Academies of Sciences, which found no conclusive evidence that social media directly alters children’s mental health.
Broader Legal Implications for Big Tech
This lawsuit is viewed as a test case among thousands of similar claims filed across the United States. Families, school districts, and state governments have sued companies including Meta, Alphabet’s Google, Snap, and TikTok, accusing them of contributing to a youth mental health crisis.
Zuckerberg is expected to face questions about Meta’s internal research and discussions regarding Instagram’s effect on teenagers.
Investigative reports have previously revealed internal Meta documents suggesting the company was aware of potential risks. Research cited in court indicated that teens who felt negatively about their bodies while using Instagram were exposed to more content related to eating disorders.
Last week, Instagram head Adam Mosseri testified that he was unaware of a recent Meta study showing no link between parental supervision and teens’ attentiveness to their social media use. Trial documents suggested that teenagers facing difficult personal circumstances were more likely to use Instagram habitually.
Meta’s legal team argued that the plaintiff’s health records indicate her struggles stemmed from personal and family challenges. The company maintains that social media served as a creative outlet rather than a direct cause of harm.
