Zuckerberg arrives to testify in social media addiction trial
Source: BBC Technology
Arrival and Testimony
Mark Zuckerberg, the Facebook co‑founder, arrived at a California court on Wednesday for his first appearance before a jury in a landmark case over whether social media is addictive to children.
Meta Platforms, which also owns Instagram and WhatsApp, faces the lawsuit alongside Google’s YouTube. TikTok and Snapchat, also named in the suit, settled shortly before the trial began; the terms of those settlements were not disclosed.
Zuckerberg entered the courtroom with an entourage of security and associates. He is expected to be questioned about Instagram’s design and the changes the firm has made over the years to keep users engaged. Meta’s advertising‑based business model—relying on metrics such as how long people stay on the platforms—is also likely to be a focus.
Legal Arguments
Lawyers for the lead plaintiff, identified only by her initials K.G.M., argue that social media firms deliberately work to addict young users despite being aware of mental‑health risks. Meta’s defense contends that the plaintiff’s difficulties stem from other factors in her life, not from Instagram use.
In prior questioning, Adam Mosseri, head of Instagram, challenged the notion of social‑media addiction, noting that even 16 hours of Instagram use in a single day did not constitute an addiction.
Trial Proceedings
- The Los Angeles trial is being closely watched for its implications for thousands of similar lawsuits.
- Bereaved parents were among those in the courtroom observing the proceedings.
- Former Meta employees who have spoken out about the company’s practices are expected to testify.
- YouTube boss Neal Mohan was initially slated to appear but is no longer called for testimony, according to the BBC.
The trial is expected to last several weeks and will include testimony from various witnesses about the platforms’ design and business practices.
Wider Impact
The case is one of many lawsuits filed by families, state prosecutors, and school districts across the United States. In a related action, 29 state attorneys general are urging a California federal court to require immediate changes, such as removing all accounts known to belong to users under 13 years of age.
Globally, governments are moving to restrict social‑media use by young people:
- Australia banned social‑media accounts for people under 16 years old late last year.
- The UK, Denmark, France, and Spain are considering similar measures.
EPA/Shutterstock
