Instagram Chief Compares Social Media Addiction to Netflix Binge in Court Testimony

• The plaintiff alleges Meta, YouTube, TikTok and Snap knowingly designed features fostering detrimental mental health effects in young users, though TikTok and Snap reached settlements and exited the case
• Court exhibits revealed internal Meta debates over plastic surgery filters in 2019, with executives weighing well-being risks against growth impacts and competitive concerns in Asian markets
• Mosseri testified that protecting minors is 'good for business and for profit' in the long run, while emphasizing he is not a medical professional when discussing addiction terminology

Summary: Instagram Chief Testifies in Social Media Safety Trial

Instagram head Adam Mosseri testified in Los Angeles Superior Court as part of a lawsuit alleging Meta, YouTube, TikTok, and Snap misled the public about social media safety while knowingly designing addictive features that harm young users' mental health.

Key Testimony Points

Mosseri distinguished between "clinical addiction" and "problematic use," comparing casual social media usage to binge-watching Netflix. He acknowledged the possibility of problematic Instagram use but emphasized he is not a medical professional. When pressed about prioritizing user protection versus profits, Mosseri stated: "protecting minors over the long run is good for business and for profit."

Plastic Surgery Filters Controversy

A significant portion of testimony focused on Instagram's November 2019 decision regarding digital filters promoting plastic surgery. Internal emails revealed:

• Three policy options were considered, with varying impacts on growth and user well-being
• Meta executives, including Mark Zuckerberg, debated whether sufficient data existed proving "real harm"
• Meta's VP of product design opposed the decision, citing risks
• Instagram ultimately implemented a "focused ban" on a subset of filters rather than a complete prohibition

Case Details

The plaintiff, identified as "KGM," and her mother allege features like infinite scroll created addictive behavior and mental health issues. Meta countered that the plaintiff faced significant challenges before using social media. TikTok and Snap have since settled and exited the lawsuit.

Market Implications

This trial represents one of multiple 2026 legal challenges examining tech companies' knowledge of platform dangers to children, potentially impacting regulatory oversight and platform design decisions across the social media sector.