LOS ANGELES – Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg took the stand on , in a landmark trial examining whether Meta’s platforms, including Instagram, deliberately addict and harm children. The case, unfolding in Los Angeles Superior Court, centers on allegations that the social media giant prioritized user engagement over the well-being of young people.
The lawsuit was brought by a 20-year-old woman, identified only as KGM, who claims that early exposure to Instagram contributed to her depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts. Meta and Google’s YouTube are the remaining defendants in the case; TikTok and Snap previously settled similar claims. The outcome of this trial could have significant implications for numerous other lawsuits alleging harm caused by social media platforms.
During questioning by the plaintiff’s attorney, Mark Lanier, Zuckerberg maintained that the existing body of scientific work has not definitively proven a causal link between social media use and mental health harms. This assertion, however, was met with scrutiny as Lanier presented internal Meta documents that appeared to contradict previous statements made by Zuckerberg before Congress regarding the company’s focus on maximizing user time on the platform.
Zuckerberg testified that while Meta previously experimented with goals related to time spent on its platforms, the company consciously shifted away from those metrics, prioritizing instead the utility and value users derived from Instagram. He argued that increased usage is a natural consequence of a valuable product, stating he believes “if something is valuable, people will use it more because it’s useful to them.”
Lanier pressed Zuckerberg on the extensive media training he receives, highlighting an internal document outlining advice on his public persona. The document urged Zuckerberg to project an image that is “authentic, direct, human, insightful and real,” and specifically cautioned against appearing “robotic, corporate or cheesy.” Zuckerberg countered that this feedback was simply constructive criticism and not a deliberate attempt to manipulate his presentation.
He defended his public speaking skills, acknowledging a long-standing perception that he appears awkward or unnatural in public appearances. He referenced past instances, such as a 2010 interview with Kara Swisher and Walt Mossberg, where his visible discomfort became a topic of discussion.
A significant portion of the questioning focused on Meta’s age verification policies. Zuckerberg asserted that the company prohibits users under the age of 13 and actively works to detect and remove accounts belonging to those who misrepresent their age. However, Lanier challenged the effectiveness of these measures, questioning why age verification remained a persistent challenge.
Throughout his testimony, Zuckerberg largely adhered to prepared talking points, repeatedly emphasizing Meta’s commitment to building a valuable platform and disputing Lanier’s “characterization” of his questions and statements. This approach drew criticism from children’s advocates, who accused Zuckerberg of being disingenuous.
Josh Golin, executive director of Fairplay, stated, “All Mark Zuckerberg accomplished with his testimony today was to prove yet again that he cannot be trusted, especially when it comes to kids’ safety.” Golin pointed to Meta’s reluctance to remove features known to be addictive, such as visible like counts and plastic surgery filters, as evidence of the company’s prioritization of profit over user well-being.
Zuckerberg’s appearance before the jury marks a significant moment in the ongoing debate surrounding the impact of social media on youth mental health. He previously apologized to families affected by tragedies linked to social media during a 2024 congressional testimony, but stopped short of accepting direct responsibility. This trial represents the first time he has faced a jury in such a case, with bereaved parents present in the courtroom.
The case is considered a bellwether trial, meaning its outcome could influence the resolution of hundreds of similar lawsuits against social media companies. Meta’s defense argued that while KGM experienced mental health struggles, Instagram was not a substantial contributing factor, pointing to a difficult home life and suggesting that she used the platform as a coping mechanism.
Zuckerberg’s testimony followed that of Adam Mosseri, head of Instagram, who testified the previous week that he does not believe people can become clinically addicted to social media. Mosseri maintained that Instagram prioritizes the safety of young users and that prioritizing user well-being is ultimately beneficial for the company’s long-term success.
Simultaneously, Meta is facing a separate trial in New Mexico, indicating the growing legal scrutiny surrounding the company’s practices and their potential impact on vulnerable users.
