Mark Zuckerberg Testifies In Social Media Addiction Trial, Says Meta Aims To Make Instagram ‘Useful’ Not Addictive

Mark Zuckerberg has taken the witness stand in a closely followed social media addiction trial, telling a Los Angeles jury that Meta’s priority is making Instagram “useful” rather than keeping users hooked.

The Meta chief executive appeared in court on Wednesday in a high-profile case examining whether social media platforms harm young users. NBC News described his testimony as “combative”, as Zuckerberg faced detailed questioning from lawyers representing the plaintiff.

During his evidence, Zuckerberg insisted that Meta’s focus is on value rather than time spent on the platform, stating the company had shifted away from earlier goals centred on engagement.

Mark Zuckerberg’s Testimony on Instagram’s ‘Usefulness’ and Engagement Goals

Zuckerberg was questioned about an internal company document that listed improving engagement as one of Meta’s “company goals”, according to CNBC. He responded that Meta had “made the conscious decision to move away from those goals, focusing instead on utility”, as reported by The Associated Press.

“If something is valuable, people will use it more because it’s useful to them,” he told the court.

He was also challenged over previous public comments, including remarks made during an appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience podcast last year, where he said he cannot be removed by Meta’s board because he controls a majority of the voting power.

According to The New York Times, Zuckerberg accused the plaintiffs’ lawyer of “mischaracterizing” his past statements more than a dozen times.

Social Media Addiction Lawsuit Against Meta and Other Tech Platforms

The lawsuit was brought by a California woman identified in court documents as “KGM”. Now aged 20, she alleges that she was harmed as a child by addictive features on Instagram, YouTube, Snapchat and TikTok.

TikTok and Snap chose to settle before the matter went to trial.

The Los Angeles proceedings are among the first in a series of cases in which Meta faces allegations that its platforms have harmed children. In both this case and a separate proceeding in New Mexico, Meta’s legal team has questioned whether social media should be classified as a genuine addiction.

Earlier in the same trial, Instagram chief Adam Mosseri testified that Instagram is not “clinically addictive”.

AI Glasses Warning as Court Tightens Rules During Zuckerberg Appearance

Zuckerberg’s court appearance also led to a warning from the judge regarding the possible use of AI-powered glasses in the courtroom. According to CNBC, members of Zuckerberg’s entourage were seen wearing Meta’s smart glasses as he entered the courthouse.

It remains unclear whether any devices were used during proceedings. However, legal affairs journalist Meghann Cuniff reported that the judge expressed particular concern about jurors being recorded or subjected to facial recognition technology.

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Meta’s smart glasses do not currently include built-in facial recognition capabilities, though recent reports indicate the company has considered introducing such features.

The trial continues in Los Angeles, drawing significant attention as one of the first major courtroom tests of claims that social media platforms contribute to youth harm.