Instagram Head Adam Mosseri Testifies, Rejects Clinical Addiction Claims
Mosseri told jurors he differentiates 'clinical addiction' from 'problematic use' in a Los Angeles bellwether trial centered on a plaintiff identified as K.G.M.
Overview
Adam Mosseri, head of Instagram, testified in Los Angeles County Superior Court that he does not believe social media causes clinical addiction and described excessive use as "problematic use," according to courtroom testimony.
The bellwether case centers on a 20-year-old identified as K.G.M. and could affect more than 1,600 consolidated lawsuits, including over 350 families and more than 250 school districts, court filings show.
Mark Lanier, K.G.M.'s attorney, pressed Mosseri on internal emails suggesting design choices to extend user time, while a Meta spokesperson said K.G.M. faced "significant, difficult challenges" before using social media, court records show.
Plaintiffs displayed internal Meta documents about debates over beauty filters and product design, and Mosseri disclosed he has received more than $45 million in compensation since 2008, according to testimony and filings.
Mark Zuckerberg is scheduled to testify Feb. 18 and YouTube CEO Neil Mohan is expected the following day, and K.G.M. is slated to take the stand next, according to the court schedule.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources present coverage that incorporates both defense and plaintiff claims but frames the story as consequential and emotive: they foreground courtroom drama and potential precedent, emphasize plaintiffs' harms and parents' grief, and juxtapose Mosseri's cautious denials with forceful plaintiff statements, nudging readers toward the seriousness of alleged platform risks.
Sources (5)
FAQ
A bellwether trial is a test case that helps predict outcomes for similar lawsuits. This case involving K.G.M. could influence over 1,600 consolidated lawsuits, including those from more than 350 families and 250 school districts.
Mosseri stated that clinical addiction is a medical diagnosis, while problematic use refers to excessive use without meeting clinical criteria, comparing it to binge-watching Netflix.
Mark Zuckerberg is scheduled to testify on February 18, YouTube CEO Neil Mohan the following day, and plaintiff K.G.M. next.
Plaintiffs showed internal Meta emails on design choices to extend user time, debates over beauty filters, and product design; Mosseri disclosed receiving over $45 million in compensation since 2008.
The allegations claim social media companies deliberately designed addictive platforms targeting children, leading to mental harm, addiction, depression, eating disorders, and suicidality.
History
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