LOS ANGELES — Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, faced a courtroom in Los Angeles on Wednesday as a landmark trial began to determine whether Meta’s platforms intentionally design features to addict children and exacerbate mental health issues. The case, brought by a now 20-year-old woman identified as KGM, alleges that early exposure to social media led to addiction, depression and suicidal thoughts.
This isn’t Zuckerberg’s first time answering questions about youth safety on Meta’s platforms. He previously testified before Congress and apologized to families who believe social media contributed to tragedies in their lives. However, this trial marks the first time he will face such scrutiny before a jury, with bereaved parents present in the courtroom.
The lawsuit centers on claims that Instagram and YouTube intentionally designed addictive algorithms that hooked KGM as a child, ultimately harming her mental health. TikTok and Snap have already settled similar claims, leaving Meta and Google’s YouTube as the remaining defendants. The outcome of this “bellwether” trial could significantly impact the thousands of similar lawsuits pending against social media companies.
During his testimony, Zuckerberg is expected to address tough questions regarding Instagram’s algorithm, the endless scroll of Meta’s feeds, and other features plaintiffs argue are deliberately designed to keep users engaged. Much of the questioning is anticipated to revisit themes raised during the testimony of Adam Mosseri, head of Instagram, who recently stated he disagrees with the idea that people can become clinically addicted to social media. Mosseri maintained that Instagram prioritizes the well-being of young users, asserting that decisions detrimental to their health are not in the company’s long-term interest.
The plaintiff’s attorney, Mark Lanier, previously focused on Instagram’s cosmetic filters during Mosseri’s testimony, highlighting how these features can alter a user’s appearance. Lanier is expected to revisit this topic with Zuckerberg, exploring the potential impact of such filters on young people’s self-image and mental health. Lanier has argued that these features are designed to trigger dopamine responses in the brains of pre-teens and teenagers, making them as addictive as substances like cigarettes or opioids.
Meta disputes the allegations, with a spokesperson stating the company is “confident the evidence will show our longstanding commitment to supporting young people.” Paul Schmidt, one of Meta’s attorneys, acknowledged KGM’s mental health struggles but argued that Instagram was not a substantial factor. He pointed to medical records indicating a difficult home life, suggesting that KGM turned to social media as a coping mechanism.
The trial comes as Meta faces another legal challenge in New Mexico, where a separate trial concerning child exploitation began last week. This adds to the mounting pressure on the company to address concerns about the safety of its platforms, particularly for young users.
The case is being closely watched as a potential turning point in the debate over the responsibility of social media companies for the well-being of their users. The arguments presented in court, and Zuckerberg’s responses under oath, could have far-reaching consequences for the future of social media regulation and the way platforms are designed.
The core of the legal argument rests on whether these platforms are simply tools for connection, or whether they are intentionally engineered to exploit vulnerabilities in the developing brains of young people. The jury’s decision will likely hinge on their interpretation of the evidence presented and their assessment of Meta’s and YouTube’s motivations.
Beyond the legal ramifications, the trial is also bringing renewed attention to the broader societal impact of social media on mental health. The presence of grieving families in the courtroom underscores the real-world consequences of online addiction and the urgent need for solutions to protect vulnerable users.
