The head of Instagram, Adam Mosseri, testified in a significant trial in Los Angeles that he does not agree with the notion of clinical addiction to social media platforms. This statement comes amidst ongoing litigation where plaintiffs aim to hold social media companies accountable for alleged harm to young users. The case prominently features a 20-year-old plaintiff referred to as “KGM,” whose lawsuit could set a precedent for thousands of similar cases against social media giants.
As the trial unfolds, Meta Platforms and Google’s YouTube remain the only defendants, following settlements reached by other companies such as TikTok and Snap. KGM is one of three plaintiffs selected for bellwether trials, which serve as critical test cases to assess how their arguments will resonate with a jury.
During his testimony, Mosseri emphasized the need to distinguish between clinical addiction and what he described as “problematic use” of social media. His position was challenged by the plaintiffs’ lawyer, who referenced earlier statements made by Mosseri in a podcast where he had used the term “addiction” in relation to social media. Mosseri later clarified that he may have used the term “too casually,” acknowledging that he is not a medical expert. He shared that someone “very close” to him had faced serious clinical addiction, prompting him to exercise caution in his statements.
Mosseri explained that “problematic use” refers to situations where users spend more time on Instagram than they feel comfortable with. He acknowledged that this phenomenon occurs and expressed concern for user wellbeing. “It’s not good for the company, over the long run, to make decisions that profit for us but are poor for people’s wellbeing,” he stated.
During cross-examination, Mosseri and Meta lawyer Phyllis Jones sought to counter claims that the company profits specifically from teenage users. Mosseri pointed out that Instagram generates less revenue from teenagers compared to other demographics, noting that younger users often do not engage with ads and typically lack disposable income for advertised products.
The plaintiffs’ lawyer, Lanier, presented research indicating that individuals who join social media at a young age tend to remain on these platforms longer, suggesting that teenagers represent a lucrative long-term market. Mosseri responded by stating, “Often people try to frame things as you either prioritise safety or you prioritise revenue. It’s really hard to imagine any instance where prioritising safety isn’t good for revenue.”
Looking ahead, Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Meta, is expected to testify in the coming week. This trial is one of several legal challenges facing the company, including a separate case in New Mexico that commenced this week. As the legal landscape surrounding social media continues to evolve, the outcomes of these trials could have significant implications for the industry and its responsibilities towards users.
