The founder and CEO of Meta, Mark Zuckerberg, defended the social media platforms his company owns in testimony before a Los Angeles County court jury this week. Zuckerberg said that Instagram, the platform targeted in a trial over social media addiction, is not inherently addictive, but that it offers a service that is valuable, so "people will want to use it more."
The case, filed by a Californian in 2023 who alleges she became addicted to Instagram from an early age and suffered harmful effects, is one of several high-profile suits that could shake up the social media landscape for companies including YouTube, TikTok and Snap, among others.
In his testimony, Zuckerberg was asked not only whether his company is aware of the effect its social networks have on children, but also about whether its age restrictions are adequate. Zuckerberg revealed that as early as 2018, he reached out to Apple CEO Tim Cook seeking to discuss "the well-being of kids and teens" using their companies' technology. Apple didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.
During his testimony, Zuckerberg repeatedly said that statements he's made have been mischaracterized and that social networks can be useful in connecting people. He said Meta has worked to build age restrictions and guidelines, but that it can't always prevent younger people from accessing its services.
Instagram introduced teen accounts in 2024 with DM protections and PG-13-style restrictions to limit the content that appears on them.
At one point during the trial, Zuckerberg was asked if Meta should try to help young people.
"I think a reasonable company should try to help a person that uses its services," he said.
The focus was also on Zuckerberg himself, and whether his demeanor in public appearances is considered "robotic," requiring media coaching to give warmer answers.
"I'm actually well known to be sort of bad at this," he acknowledged.
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