Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri is expected to testify in a Los Angeles court in a case that raises serious questions about the platform's role in the mental health of young users . The testimony comes in response to allegations that Instagram's design contributes to addiction and exacerbates symptoms of anxiety and stress among teens.
The lawsuit concerns a 20-year-old woman who claims she became addicted to the platform as a teenager. The platform's design, specifically its promotion of endless scrolling, allegedly played a role, which, according to the complaint, kept her constantly on the app, increasing her anxiety and reducing her ability to disengage from the digital environment.
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Meta's internal studies under the microscope
Mosseri's testimony is expected to focus on internal Meta documentsthat the plaintiffs' lawyers say show the company knew early on about the potential negative effects of Instagram on children. In particular, studies have been shown to show that teens with pre-existing difficulties or low self-esteem were more vulnerable to addiction and the psychological pressure caused by the platform. At the same time, the documents suggest that existing parental control mechanisms did not have a significant impact on protecting users.
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg is also expected to testify in court in the coming weeks. Their testimony will highlight not only Meta's knowledge of these issues but also the steps it took to mitigate the risks .
Meta's reaction
Meta has categorically denied the allegations, stressing that the accusations are baseless. A spokesperson for the company said: “We strongly disagree with these allegations and are confident that the evidence will demonstrate our long-standing commitment to supporting young people.”
See also: Lawsuit against Meta: WhatsApp encryption is a lie
The company's legal team says the internal discussions were solely about developing tools and features that give users more control over their experience. Meta insists the goal was to provide options like in-app time management, notifications, and content restrictions to give users more control and reduce the risk of addiction.
The big question: Addiction or design choice?
The case raises broader questions about the design of social networks and their impact on youth. Continuous scrolling, push notifications, and content personalization have proven to be effective tools for increasing engagement. However, the effectiveness itself can lead to addiction problems, especially among young people.
Experts say that the mental health of teens is affected not only by the content, but also by the design of the app that pushes them to stay connected for long periods. The Instagram lawsuit is expected to set standards for how technology companies should consider the psychological safety of users, especially young people.
See also: Meta tests premium subscriptions on Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp
Adam Mosseri’s testimony and Mark Zuckerberg make it clear that Meta is facing critical questions about its role in shaping behavior and protecting the mental health of young people. As the legal proceedings unfold, this case could impact the design policy of social media apps, not just for Instagram but for the entire industry.
The debate around addictive design and the limits of liability of tech giants remains more relevant than ever, highlighting the need for transparency, protection, and responsible design.
