Adam Mosseri, the CEO of Instagram, has made headlines as he testified in a significant legal case against Meta, the parent company of Instagram, and YouTube, owned by Alphabet. The central theme of the trial revolves around allegations that both social media platforms are designed to create user addiction, with knowledge of the associated dangers. This assertion has raised ethical questions surrounding the responsibilities of social media executives in prioritizing user welfare over corporate profits.

In the courtroom in Los Angeles, the case was brought forth by a 20-year-old Californian woman who claims that the architecture of these platforms has caused her significant mental health issues, including panic attacks and suicidal thoughts. Her grievance highlights the broader public health conversation about the impact of social media on mental wellbeing, especially among young users. Mosseri's insistence on not being a medical expert underscores an ongoing debate: to what extent social media platforms should be held accountable for their design and the potential harm caused to their users.

Mosseri's appearance as a key witness in this trial raises the stakes for social media companies, as the outcome could set precedents for future regulations and legal actions regarding user safety online. The implications of this case extend beyond Instagram and YouTube, touching all social platforms and their obligation to safeguard users against addiction and associated mental health issues. The trial may signal a turning point in how social media platforms operate and are moderated in relation to user health and safety.