Zuckerberg grilled in court over social media harms on teens

Meta CEO testifies in landmark social media trial

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg testified in Los Angeles Superior Court on Wednesday in a trial that will determine if social media platforms are addictive and harmful to teens. The case, brought by a 20-year-old plaintiff, is a bellwether for hundreds of similar lawsuits against tech companies.

Internal Meta documents presented as evidence show the company's own research indicated problems. One study found parental supervision could not prevent compulsive teen use, and that teens with traumatic experiences were more inclined to overuse social media.

Zuckerberg questioned on growth goals and child users

Plaintiff's lawyers questioned Zuckerberg about whether Instagram employees had goals to increase daily app usage. Zuckerberg had previously told Congress this was not the case.

However, a 2015 email chain presented as evidence showed Zuckerberg pushing to increase users' time spent in the app by 12%. He was also questioned about internal estimates of underage users.

A 2018 Meta document stated that, as of 2015, 4 million children under 13 had Instagram accounts. This included roughly 30% of children aged 10-12 in the U.S.

CEO defends company and shifts blame

During testimony, Zuckerberg largely stuck to company talking points. He claimed lawyers were taking documents out of context and mischaracterizing their meaning.

On the issue of underage users, Zuckerberg pushed back, saying age verification was difficult. He suggested smartphone makers like Apple could be more helpful, a point made as Apple itself rolls out new age assurance tools for developers.

Lawyers for Meta have argued the plaintiff's mental health concerns stem from an unhappy childhood, not social media apps. The plaintiff, who goes by her initials KGM or first name Kaley, sued four companies.

• TikTok and Snap settled before trial.
• YouTube and Meta are defending their apps in court.

Trial could force major tech reforms

The jury's verdict could lead to significant reforms across the tech industry. A finding of fault could prompt new laws, regulations, and settlements with victims.

The case highlights the growing regulatory push in the U.S., where many states are now creating their own social media laws. The core question remains whether these platforms' design choices, driven by engagement, cause real harm.

Zuckerberg was also questioned about Instagram's use of beauty filters. Meta's own experts had recommended these filters be banned for teens, citing potential harm.