Adam Mosseri, head of Instagram, defended the platform in a California court against claims of harm to minors' mental health, stating that excessive use of social media does not equate to addiction.
Adam Mosseri, the head of Instagram, took the stand in a significant court case in Los Angeles addressing allegations that social media harms the mental health of minors. He argued that while social media can be excessively used, this does not necessarily mean that users are addicted. This stance places Instagram in a critical position as the trial examines the legal responsibilities of social media companies regarding their impact on young users.
The trial, which is expected to last six weeks, marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing debate about the influence of technology on youth. Mosseri's testimony suggests that the company will argue that external factors, not merely social media use, contribute to mental health issues among young individuals. This approach is being tested as the plaintiffs seek to hold tech companies accountable for potential adverse effects on their users.
In addition to Instagram, the lawsuit also mentions YouTube, while platforms like Snapchat and TikTok have already settled similar claims. The outcome of this trial could set critical precedents for the technology industry regarding the liabilities they hold for the content and engagement of their platforms, particularly concerning vulnerable populations like children and teenagers.
