Mark Zuckerberg to Testify in Social Media Addiction Trial

Feb 18, 2026

74 min

Feb 18, 2026 06:30

Mark Zuckerberg to testify in landmark social media addiction trial

## Zuckerberg's Testimony

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg is scheduled to testify in a significant trial concerning social media addiction. The trial, taking place in California, involves allegations that platforms like Instagram were intentionally designed to be addictive for young users. This case is the first of its kind and could influence numerous similar lawsuits across the United States.

## Trial Details

The trial will examine whether platforms owned by Meta, including Instagram, and Google-owned YouTube, are responsible for mental health issues experienced by young users. The plaintiff, a 20-year-old from California, claims to have been a heavy user of these platforms since childhood. The jury will consider if the platforms' design and algorithms contribute to compulsive use and mental health problems.

## Broader Implications

This trial is part of a larger legal effort to address claims that social media contributes to mental health issues such as depression and anxiety among young people. The focus is on app design rather than user-generated content, as U.S. law largely protects platforms from liability in this area.

## Previous Testimonies

Instagram's head, Adam Mosseri, has already testified, rejecting the term "addiction" in favor of "problematic use." The trial has seen emotional reactions from families affected by the issues at hand, highlighting the case's societal impact.

## Future Proceedings

The trial is expected to continue until late March, with other similar cases scheduled in Los Angeles. Additionally, Meta faces another trial in New Mexico related to the protection of minors.

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