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Meta CEO testifies as trial examines social media's effect on children
Mark Zuckerberg appeared in a Los Angeles courtroom Wednesday, defending Meta Platforms against allegations that Instagram and other platforms target and addict young users. The case, part of a broader legal battle involving thousands of similar lawsuits, marks Zuckerberg's first jury testimony amid growing scrutiny of social media's impact on minors.
Internal documents challenge Meta's claims
During the trial, plaintiff's attorney Mark Lanier presented internal emails, research reports, and messages showing Meta employees discussing teen and preteen usage of Instagram and Facebook. One 2019 email from Nick Clegg, then Meta's head of global affairs, criticized the company's "unenforced" age restrictions, stating it made it "difficult to claim we're doing all we can."
Lanier also cited a 2019 external research report commissioned by Instagram, which found teens felt "hooked" on the platform despite negative emotions. "It can make them feel good, it can make them feel bad, they wish they could spend less time caring about it," the report stated. Zuckerberg countered that the research was not conducted by Meta and emphasized positive aspects of Instagram use mentioned in the findings.
Debate over teen engagement and addiction
Zuckerberg acknowledged that Meta had previously set goals to increase teen engagement, including a 2015 directive to reverse declining teen usage. A 2017 email revealed Zuckerberg had prioritized teens as the company's "top priority." However, he argued that such metrics were no longer the focus, pointing to tools introduced in 2018 to limit screen time and notifications.
Lanier highlighted internal data showing minimal adoption of these tools among teens, with only 1.1% using daily time limits. Zuckerberg maintained that Meta had evolved its approach, citing Messenger Kids-a service he uses with his own children-as an example of efforts to create age-appropriate platforms.
Emotional testimony from families
The lead plaintiff, identified as K.G.M., attended the proceedings. She began using Instagram at age nine and sat directly across from Zuckerberg during his testimony. Outside the courthouse, parents of children who had suffered from social media-related harm gathered in support. Lori Schott, whose daughter died by suicide at 18, wore a badge with her daughter's photo and questioned why platforms hadn't altered algorithms to prevent such outcomes.
"These platforms can change. It wouldn't take long to change the algorithmic content so kids aren't killing themselves. Is it that hard to do, Mr. Zuckerberg?"
Lori Schott, parent
Broader legal and regulatory pressure
The trial, which also names Google's YouTube as a defendant, is expected to last several weeks. TikTok and Snapchat settled before the trial began, though terms were not disclosed. Similar lawsuits are pending across the U.S., with 29 state attorneys general pushing for immediate changes, including the removal of accounts belonging to users under 13.
Globally, countries like Australia have already banned social media accounts for users under 16, while the UK, Denmark, France, and Spain are considering comparable measures. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for future litigation and regulation.
Zuckerberg's defense and next steps
Zuckerberg argued that Meta had taken steps to address "problematic use" of its platforms, citing tools like daily usage limits and notification controls. He also noted that teen users account for less than 1% of Meta's ad revenue. When Lanier suggested that increased usage could indicate addiction, Zuckerberg responded, "I don't know what to say to that. I think that may be true but I don't know if that applies here."
The trial will continue with testimony from former Meta employees who have spoken out about the company's practices. YouTube CEO Neal Mohan, initially expected to testify, will no longer appear, according to reports.
