Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg appeared in a Los Angeles courtroom on February 18 for a high-profile trial over claims that social media platforms, including Instagram, can be addictive and harmful to children’s mental health. The lawsuit was filed by a California woman who says her early use of social media worsened her depression and contributed to suicidal thoughts. The case has attracted nationwide attention, raising questions about tech companies’ responsibilities toward young users.
During his testimony, Zuckerberg strongly denied that Meta intentionally designs its platforms to be addictive. He emphasized that the company prioritizes user safety and has implemented multiple safeguards, including age restrictions, parental controls, and safety tools aimed at protecting minors. “We do not intentionally make platforms addictive,” Zuckerberg told the court, while acknowledging that verifying users’ ages can be difficult because some provide false birth dates.
Plaintiffs’ lawyers highlighted internal Meta documents that discuss engagement goals and features designed to keep users on the platform longer. They argued that these features demonstrate a deliberate focus on maximizing user time and attention, despite known risks to mental health. The trial explores whether social media companies have a legal and ethical duty to warn users and parents about potential harms.
Experts observing the trial say it could set an important precedent for similar lawsuits across the United States, influencing how social media platforms design safety features, transparency measures, and user engagement strategies.
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