Instagram CEO Rejects Social Media Addiction Claims in Landmark Trial
In a courtroom showdown that's captivating the tech world, Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri took the stand in Los Angeles on Wednesday, firmly dismissing the notion that social media can lead to clinical addiction. The testimony, part of a high-stakes trial against Meta and other platforms, underscores growing tensions between Big Tech and regulators concerned about youth mental health.
The Trial's Core Allegations
The ongoing case in California's Superior Court is one of several bellwether trials stemming from lawsuits filed by hundreds of families and school districts. Plaintiffs accuse Instagram, owned by Meta, along with Snap, TikTok, and YouTube, of designing addictive features that exacerbate mental health issues among young users. The lead plaintiff, a 20-year-old known only as KGM, claims Instagram's endless scrolling and algorithmic feeds worsened her depression and suicidal ideation.
These suits argue that companies prioritized user engagement – and thus profits – over safety, knowingly creating products that hook teens into compulsive use. With social media penetration among UK and US youth exceeding 90%, the stakes are global. In the UK, similar concerns have prompted calls for stricter regulations under the Online Safety Bill, highlighting how addictive designs could fuel anxiety, body image issues, and even suicides.
Mosseri's Key Testimony
Under sharp questioning from plaintiffs' attorney Mark Lanier, Mosseri maintained that while some users might experience 'problematic use,' social media doesn't meet the criteria for clinical addiction as defined by psychologists. 'It's important to differentiate between clinical addiction and problematic use,' he stated, emphasizing that the American Psychological Association doesn't recognize social media addiction as a formal disorder.
Mosseri defended Instagram's features, like infinite scrolls and notifications, as tools for connection rather than entrapment. He revealed that Meta rigorously tests new functionalities, especially those targeting younger audiences, to balance safety with free expression. 'We are trying to be as safe as possible but also censor as little as possible,' he added. The CEO also addressed criticisms of Instagram's AR filters, which plaintiffs link to rising plastic surgery rates among teens. Mosseri insisted these tools empower creativity, not insecurity.
Internal Meta Communications Exposed
The testimony grew tense when Lanier referenced leaked internal emails from Meta researchers, painting a stark contrast to Mosseri's public stance. In one exchange, an employee quipped, 'IG is a drug,' while another joked, 'LOL, I mean, all social media. We're basically pushers.' The discussion delved into the platform's dopamine-driven mechanics, with one researcher noting, 'I know Adam doesn't want to hear it … He freaked out when I talked about dopamine in my teen fundamentals lead review, but it is undeniable. It is biological. It is psychological.'
These revelations, first highlighted in the plaintiffs' opening statements, suggest Meta was aware of Instagram's addictive potential years ago. Critics, including UK-based child safety advocates, argue this internal acknowledgment validates claims of negligence. The emails echo findings from whistleblowers like former Facebook employee Frances Haugen, who in 2021 exposed how Instagram harms teen girls' self-esteem.
Families' Heartbreaking Stories
Outside the courtroom, the human cost was palpable. Parents whose children suffered – or died – due to alleged social media harms gathered in protest. Among them was John DeMay, whose 17-year-old son Jordan took his life in 2022, just hours after being cyberbullied and sextorted on Instagram. DeMay and others from the Social Media Victims Law Center view the trial as a reckoning for platforms that turned scrolling into a public health crisis.
Matthew P. Bergman, founding attorney for the center, issued a statement post-testimony: 'Adam Mosseri's words under oath today revealed what families have long suspected: Instagram's executives made a conscious decision to put growth over the safety of minors.' In the UK, where teen mental health referrals have surged 40% since 2017 per NHS data, these stories resonate deeply, fueling demands for accountability.
Broader Implications for Social Media Regulation
This trial isn't isolated; it's a litmus test for how juries will respond to addiction claims against tech giants. If plaintiffs prevail, it could open floodgates for billions in damages and force redesigns of core features. For Instagram, with over 2 billion users worldwide, the fallout might include enhanced parental controls or age-gated content – changes already piloted in the EU under the Digital Services Act.
In the UK context, the trial amplifies debates around the Children's Online Safety Bill, which mandates platforms to mitigate 'harmful' content. Experts like Dr. Jenny Radesky from the American Academy of Pediatrics warn that without intervention, social media's grip on youth could worsen epidemics of sleep disruption, cyberbullying, and eating disorders. Conversely, defenders like Mosseri argue overregulation stifles innovation and free speech.
Meta's Defense and Future Steps
Meta has vowed to fight the suits vigorously, citing billions invested in safety tools like take-a-break reminders and usage limits. Post-testimony, a company spokesperson reiterated commitment to youth well-being, pointing to partnerships with organizations like the UK's NSPCC for better online protections.
As the trial continues, with more executives expected to testify, the world watches. Will courts redefine 'addiction' in the digital age, or will tech's narrative of 'empowerment' prevail? For now, Mosseri's dismissal has only intensified scrutiny on Instagram's role in modern life.
This case reminds us that behind the likes and shares lies a battle for the minds of the next generation. As social media evolves, so must our safeguards.
