Instagram Chief Rejects “Clinical Addiction” Claim

 

A pivotal courtroom battle over the impact of social media on young users is putting platform design under intense scrutiny. During testimony in a closely watched case, Adam Mosseri, the head of Instagram, rejected the idea that users can be medically addicted to the app, though he acknowledged that some people may engage with it more than they intend.

The lawsuit, brought by a young woman identified publicly only as Kaley, claims that Meta and YouTube engineered features that keep users—especially teens—engaged for extended periods, ultimately harming mental well-being. Legal experts say the outcome could shape how courts view responsibility for digital platforms and their effects on youth behavior.

Executive Testimony and Platform Design

Mosseri told the court that excessive use of the platform can occur but argued that such behavior should not be classified as clinical addiction. He compared heavy use to spending more time watching television than intended, emphasizing that patterns vary widely among individuals. While he conceded he is not a medical expert, he maintained that Instagram’s design does not aim to create dependency.

The plaintiff’s legal team challenged that position, arguing that certain platform features—such as continuous scrolling, autoplay content, and engagement metrics—encourage prolonged usage by rewarding attention with social validation. According to the claim, these design elements contribute to emotional distress and negative self-image among young users.

The case is one of more than a thousand similar lawsuits accusing social media companies of prioritizing engagement and growth over user welfare. If the court finds the companies liable, the decision could open the door to broader regulation and new legal standards for technology firms.

Mosseri also disputed claims that the platform targets teenagers for profit. He stated that younger users generate less advertising revenue than adults and emphasized recent safety-focused changes, including default privacy protections and expanded parental oversight tools.

Debate Over Safety Measures and Responsibility

During testimony, significant attention centered on image filters that modify facial features. Critics argue such tools may reinforce unrealistic beauty standards and contribute to body image concerns among young audiences. Internal discussions from previous years revealed debates within the company about whether certain filters should be restricted due to potential psychological effects.

Mosseri explained that while some filters associated with cosmetic procedures were removed, others that simply alter appearance remain available but are no longer promoted through recommendation systems. He framed these decisions as efforts to balance creative expression with user protection.

The plaintiff’s legal representatives pointed to internal research suggesting that vulnerable users could be more susceptible to harmful patterns of engagement. They argued that the company was aware of risks but continued deploying features that increased user retention.

Meta’s legal team countered by asserting that the plaintiff’s personal circumstances, rather than platform use alone, played a major role in her mental health challenges. They argued that the evidence will show social media was not the primary factor behind her difficulties.

Beyond the legal arguments, the case reflects a broader global debate about how governments should regulate digital platforms and protect younger audiences online. As policymakers consider new rules around algorithm transparency and youth safety, this trial could become a defining moment for the industry.