Instagram CEO Defends Platform Against Addiction Claims in Landmark Trial
Los Angeles – Adam Mosseri, head of Instagram, took the stand Wednesday to defend the platform against allegations that it intentionally designs its features to be addictive, particularly for young users. The ongoing trial, which began last week, could set a significant legal precedent regarding the responsibility of social media companies for the mental health of their users.
The Core of the Argument: Addiction vs. Problematic Use
Mosseri repeatedly emphasized the distinction between “clinical addiction” and “problematic use” during questioning by the plaintiff’s attorney, Mark Lanier. While acknowledging that excessive Instagram use can be “problematic,” he maintained that it doesn’t necessarily equate to a clinical addiction, a point echoed by the fact that psychologists do not currently classify social media addiction as an official diagnosis.
A Flood of Lawsuits and Prior Settlements
This case is the first of over 1,600 lawsuits filed against Meta (Instagram’s parent company), Snap, TikTok, and YouTube. Plaintiffs, including families and school districts, allege that these companies knowingly created addictive products that harm young people’s mental health. TikTok and Snap have already reached settlements with the plaintiff in this initial case, identified as K.G.M., though they remain defendants in the broader legal action.
K.G.M.’s Allegations and Instagram’s Defense
K.G.M. Alleges that her early use of Instagram exacerbated her depression and suicidal thoughts. Meta argues that K.G.M.’s struggles stemmed from other factors in her life, not solely from her Instagram use. Mosseri testified that Instagram has evolved significantly since K.G.M. First joined the platform, becoming “primarily a feed of photos and primarily friends” to its current state.
Evolving Safety Features and Design Choices
Mosseri highlighted Instagram’s efforts to improve safety, pointing to features like time-tracking tools introduced in 2018, safety features for minors added in 2021, and teen accounts rolled out in 2024. He also discussed the company’s attempts to regulate augmented reality filters, initially aiming to prohibit those promoting plastic surgery, though they “had trouble defining that line.”
The Profit vs. Safety Debate
Lanier pressed Mosseri on whether Instagram prioritizes profits over the well-being of its young users. Mosseri countered that protecting minors is ultimately beneficial for the business, stating, “I believe protecting minors in the long run is great for profit and business.”
Parental Grief and Legal Implications
Outside the courtroom, grieving parents held photos of their children, underscoring the emotional weight of the trial. Matt Bergman, of the Social Media Victims Law Center, stated that Mosseri’s testimony suggests Instagram executives “made a conscious decision to put growth over the safety of minors.”
The outcome of this trial could have far-reaching consequences, potentially leading to significant damages for the plaintiffs and forcing social media companies to redesign their platforms. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg is expected to testify next week.
Other Legal Fronts
A separate trial addressing allegations of Meta’s platforms failing to protect young users from sexual exploitation is also underway in New Mexico. Bellwether trials for school districts suing social media platforms are scheduled to begin in federal court in June.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a “bellwether trial”? A bellwether trial is a test case designed to gauge a jury’s reaction to the arguments presented by both sides, helping to inform settlement negotiations or future trial strategies.
- What is Section 230? Section 230 of the Communications Act of 1934 generally protects internet companies from liability for content posted by their users.
- Has Instagram made changes to address concerns about user safety? Yes, Instagram has introduced features like time-tracking tools, safety features for minors, and teen accounts.
Did you know? The initial trial focuses on a single plaintiff, K.G.M., but represents a larger group of over 1,600 individuals and entities suing the social media companies.
Pro Tip: Parents can utilize the built-in time management tools on Instagram and other social media platforms to help their children develop healthy usage habits.
What are your thoughts on the role of social media companies in protecting their users? Share your opinions in the comments below!
