Instagram's Adam Mosseri faces trial over social media addiction claims from young user

Adam Mosseri, the head of Instagram, has become the first top executive to testify in a major social media addiction trial. The case involves a 20-year-old woman who claims Meta and YouTube deliberately designed addictive features that harmed her mental health. Mosseri appeared in court on Wednesday, facing tough questions about the platform's impact on young users.

The plaintiff, identified only as Kaley, started using Instagram at nine years old—four years below the app's minimum age requirement. Her lawsuit argues that features like infinite scroll, autoplay, and beauty filters contributed to her mental health struggles. The trial marks the first time a senior Meta stock executive has testified in such a case.

During questioning, Mosseri stated he did not believe users could be 'clinically addicted' to Instagram. However, he admitted that 'problematic use' of the app could occur. Mark Lanier, the plaintiff's lawyer, pressed Mosseri on whether Instagram prioritised profits over the safety of minors.

In 2021, Mosseri had told a Senate committee that he supported stronger online safety regulations. He also pledged to improve Instagram's protections for young users. Since then, the platform has introduced measures like 'teen accounts' with stricter privacy settings and content restrictions. New policies now block under-18s from seeing posts about diets and cosmetic procedures, while offensive content is labelled to reduce cyberbullying.

The trial follows revelations from Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen in 2021. Leaked documents suggested Instagram could have 'toxic' effects on teenage girls, though no specific data from Meta or independent studies was presented in court.

The case continues to examine whether Meta and YouTube intentionally created addictive features that harmed young users. Instagram has since added more safety tools, but the trial will determine if these changes address the concerns raised. The outcome could influence future regulations on social media platforms and their responsibility toward underage users.