Meta Platforms CEO Mark Zuckerberg is being questioned Wednesday in a Los Angeles court over Instagram’s impact on young users’ mental health. The landmark trial could force Meta to pay damages and alter Big Tech’s legal defense against user harm. Parents, children, and tech companies are closely watching for implications on social media regulation and accountability.
The lawsuit, filed by a California woman, claims Meta and Google deliberately made Instagram and YouTube addictive to profit from children, worsening depression and suicidal thoughts. She alleges the apps harmed her mental health while the companies knew of the risks. Meta and Google deny wrongdoing, highlighting safety features and research showing no clear link between social media use and teen mental health.
Read more: Zuckerberg accepts Musk’s cage fight challenge
The case is part of a global backlash, with countries like Australia and Spain restricting social media access for minors, and U.S. states such as Florida limiting users under age 14. Tech industry groups are challenging these regulations in court. Experts say the trial may set precedent for thousands of similar lawsuits involving Meta, Google, Snap, and TikTok.
Instagram head Adam Mosseri testified last week that he was unaware of a Meta study showing parental supervision does not significantly affect teens’ attentiveness online. Internal documents also revealed teens with difficult life circumstances used Instagram habitually or unintentionally. Zuckerberg is expected to face questions about Meta’s internal research and strategies regarding younger users.
Read more: Meta trial puts social media under fire again
Meta’s lawyer told jurors that the plaintiff’s mental health issues stem from a troubled childhood and that social media was a creative outlet. The trial continues to examine whether companies can be held liable for harm linked to teen social media use.