Instagram chief says he does not believe people can get clinically addicted to social media

Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri testified in a Los Angeles social media trial on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, stating his disagreement with the concept of clinical social media addiction. The trial aims to hold tech companies, including Meta (Instagram's parent company) and Google (YouTube), accountable for potential harm to children. This landmark case centers around a 20-year-old, identified as "KGM," and could influence thousands of similar lawsuits. The plaintiffs argue that social media platforms can be addictive and detrimental to young users. TikTok and Snap have already settled in the case.

Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri testified in a California trial where Meta is being sued by families and school districts alleging Instagram's addictive design harms young people's mental health. Mosseri dismissed the idea of social media addiction, differentiating it from "problematic use," while acknowledging concerns about compulsive use. The trial focuses on a plaintiff, KGM, who claims Instagram's features worsened her depression and suicidal thoughts. Mosseri was questioned about prioritizing profits over safety and the impact of cosmetic filters. Plaintiff's attorneys presented internal communications suggesting awareness of Instagram's addictive nature and concerns about its impact, leading some families to believe the company prioritized growth over user safety. This trial is a bellwether case to gauge jury reaction for future lawsuits against Meta, Snap, TikTok, and YouTube.

A California court began a trial Monday to determine if Meta (Facebook and Instagram) and Google (YouTube) are liable for a woman's mental health issues, stemming from alleged addictive app design. The plaintiff, K.G.M., claims the platforms fueled her depression and suicidal thoughts, seeking damages for pain and suffering. This case is a test of whether Big Tech can be held responsible for harming children, potentially impacting thousands of similar lawsuits against Google, Meta, TikTok, and Snap. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg is expected to testify in the trial, which is anticipated to last into March. The tech companies plan to defend themselves by citing other factors in the plaintiff's life and highlighting their youth safety initiatives.

A landmark social media addiction trial is set to begin in Los Angeles County Superior Court this week, focusing on claims that Meta (Instagram) and Google (YouTube) deliberately addict and harm children. The lawsuit centers around a 19-year-old, identified as "KGM," and is the first of several trials this year against major social media companies. These trials aim to hold the companies accountable for alleged harms to children using their platforms. TikTok and Snap, originally named in the lawsuit, have already settled for undisclosed amounts. The plaintiffs argue that the platforms' designs intentionally create addictive behaviors in young users.