Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg took the stand in a watershed trial over allegations that social media platforms are designed to addict children. This landmark case in Los Angeles examines the legal responsibility of tech giants regarding the mental well-being and safety of their youngest users.

- Generated by AI

Zuckerberg was grilled by lawyers over Meta’s failure to prevent underage users from accessing Instagram. He expressed regret over verification failures but maintained that enforcing age limits is difficult, even as the court heard evidence of significant breaches involving millions of minor accounts.

- Generated by AI

Plaintiff lawyers compared social media features like infinite scroll and autoplay to "digital casinos" designed to hook young brains. Zuckerberg defended the platform's design, arguing that increased engagement was a proxy for utility rather than a deliberate attempt to cause psychological harm to minors.

- Generated by AI

Lawyers presented internal documents advising Zuckerberg to avoid appearing "robotic" or "corporate" on the stand. Zuckerberg pushed back, stating that while he receives feedback on his public speaking, he is traditionally known for being awkward during high-pressure questioning rather than being heavily coached.

- Generated by AI

Instagram head Adam Mosseri testified that there is a distinction between "clinical addiction" and "problematic use," admitting he had used the term "addicted" too loosely in the past. He rejected the "dopamine slot machine" label, arguing that user safety is actually vital for Meta’s long-term business.

- Generated by AI

The Tea: What’s actually happening?

A 20-year-old named Kaley (known as K.G.M.) is suing Meta and Google. She says she got hooked on Instagram and YouTube as a kid, which led to years of depression and eating disorders.

Why it’s Huge

This isn't just one person’s drama; it’s a "test case" for about 1,600 other lawsuits. If Kaley wins, it could cost these companies billions and force them to completely change how their apps work.

The "Digital Casino" Argument

Kaley’s lawyers say social media isn't just "content"—it’s a defective product. They argue features like "infinite scroll" and "autoplay" were built like slot machines to hijack kids' brains and keep them scrolling for profit.

Meta’s "Not My Fault" Defence

Zuckerberg and his team are basically saying:

● "Addiction" isn't a medical thing: They argue social media addiction isn't even a real clinical diagnosis.

● It’s personal: They claim Kaley’s mental health issues came from her "troubled childhood" and personal life, not her phone.

● We’ve changed: Zuckerberg testified that Meta doesn't try to "maximise screentime" anymore and only wants the apps to be "useful".

The Bottom Line

The jury has to decide: Are these apps intentionally addictive tools that hurt kids, or is social media just a "scapegoat" for bigger problems in society?

- Generated by AI