Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri appeared in a California state court to testify in a closely followed trial on social media addiction. The case has the potential to redefine legal standards for major technology platforms. The lawsuit claims that companies intentionally designed their platforms to keep children engaged in order to boost profits.
Meta, the parent company of Instagram and Facebook, and Google, which owns YouTube, face legal scrutiny in the case. The court is examining whether these companies knowingly created addictive features that harmed young users. Consequently, the trial has drawn national attention from regulators, parents, and technology experts.
The case centers on a 20-year-old woman identified as Kaley GM. She claims social media use from childhood caused severe mental harm. She began using YouTube at age six. Later, she joined Instagram at age eleven. Afterward, she moved to Snapchat and TikTok during her early teens.
Plaintiffs argue that platform design choices target developing brains. They claim companies engineered systems that reward constant engagement. As a result, they say children face higher risks of anxiety, depression, and compulsive behavior.
Tech Companies Defend Platform Design
During opening arguments, lawyers for Google rejected claims that YouTube promotes addiction. They described the platform as a free video service similar to television or streaming platforms. According to the defense, watching online videos does not equal addiction.
Meanwhile, Meta and Google continue to deny allegations that they intentionally harm young users. However, plaintiffs insist companies designed algorithms to capture attention and increase profits. They argue these systems operate like digital reward loops that encourage excessive use.
Stanford University professor Anna Lembke testified as an expert witness. She described social media as comparable to a behavioral drug. Furthermore, she explained that young users have developing brains that respond strongly to rewards and risks. She also referred to YouTube as a “gateway” platform that may lead children to prolonged engagement across multiple apps.
Mosseri’s testimony marks the first appearance by a major Silicon Valley executive before the jury. His statements come ahead of expected testimony from Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and YouTube CEO Neal Mohan later this month.
Broader Legal and Industry Impact
Legal experts say the trial could establish a major precedent for digital platform accountability. More than a thousand lawsuits across the United States make similar claims about youth harm linked to social media use. Therefore, the outcome may influence future regulation and corporate responsibility standards.
The court has set the trial to continue until March 20, with additional test cases scheduled in Los Angeles later this year. At the same time, a nationwide lawsuit against major social media firms is moving forward in federal court in Oakland.
In a separate case, a lawsuit in New Mexico accuses Meta of putting profit ahead of safeguarding minors from online predators. Together, these legal actions reflect mounting scrutiny of technology companies.
As testimony proceeds, the trial highlights a broader global conversation on online safety, youth mental health, and corporate responsibility in the digital era.
