Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg testified in court that the features of Instagram and Facebook are created to provide utility rather than to foster addiction, especially among younger users. He highlighted that users under the age of 13 frequently lie about their age to bypass restrictions, which he acknowledged is difficult to monitor effectively. This statement was made during a crucial trial in Los Angeles regarding social media addiction and its impacts on mental health.

The trial is significant as it examines whether social media platforms intentionally develop features that foster addictive behaviors among users, particularly minors. Critics of Meta argue that certain design elements encourage prolonged usage, which could be detrimental to young people. Zuckerberg's defense emphasizes the need for platforms to remain inviting while also enhancing user experience, suggesting his firm believes it is not their fault if users choose to overindulge.

The implications of this case could be broad, affecting how social media companies design their platforms in the future and potentially leading to greater regulations in an industry that is under increasing scrutiny for its impact on mental health. As the case unfolds, it may set a precedent for accountability in the tech industry regarding user mental health and age restrictions, shaping how companies approach content and feature development.