Meta executives testified in court that the mental health struggles of a plaintiff, identified as Kaley, stemmed from personal issues and were not a result of her Instagram use. The case centers on allegations that Instagram is addictive and harmful to young users.
Instagram Use Not Addiction, Meta Argues
Instagram head Adam Mosseri testified that even 16 hours of platform use did not strike him as an addiction, characterizing such extensive use as “problematic.” Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, repeatedly stated the company prohibits users under the age of 13.
Zuckerberg became visibly frustrated when questioned about internal company documents that discussed and even encouraged growing Instagram and Facebook usage among children. “I don’t see why this is so complicated,” he said. “It’s been our consistent policy that they’re not allowed and we try to remove them. We’re not perfect.”
Lawyers for Kaley questioned Zuckerberg on his assertion that Meta aims to create useful platforms, suggesting that increased usage is a natural consequence. When presented with the idea that addiction also leads to increased usage, Zuckerberg admitted, “I don’t know what to say to that. I think that may be true, but I don’t know if that applies. I’m trying to build a service here.”
Focus on “But For” Test
Kaley’s lawyers argued the addictive nature of social media contributed to her distress, though the condition of social media addiction is not officially recognized. A therapist who treated Kaley testified she never diagnosed the patient with a social media addiction.
Meta’s defense focused on Kaley’s home life, referencing her own Instagram posts which depicted an upbringing with unstable, critical, and at times abusive parents. The company argued that Kaley’s mental health issues were likely caused by factors other than social media use, employing the legal concept known as the “but for” test – if the harm would have occurred regardless of Meta’s actions, the company cannot be held liable.
Kaley testified that she currently has a positive relationship with her mother and is pursuing both work and education. She also indicated a continued interest in social media, even suggesting a potential career in social media management. However, when asked if her life would be better had she never used platforms like Instagram, she responded, “Yes.”
Katy Bailes, Peter Bowes and Regan Morris contributed to this report.
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