Adam Mosseri, the head of Instagram, appeared in court to discuss efforts made by Instagram to address social media addiction, particularly among teenagers. The trial takes place amid accusations that Meta, Instagram’s parent company, designed its platforms to engage young users excessively and gather their data.
Mosseri revealed that a specific feature, “Take a Break,” introduced in 2021 to encourage teens to pause their usage after a set time, did not achieve the anticipated uptake. An internal document highlighted that merely 1.8% of teens utilized this feature. He expressed regret about the delayed improvement of the feature.
Attorneys from several states, including California and Colorado, argue that Meta concealed critical information regarding the platform’s dangers. They emphasize the lack of transparency about the feature’s low usage rate, arguing it violates consumer protection laws. Mosseri acknowledged there was previously no means for parents to know how few teens used the feature.
In late 2024, Meta made “Take a Break” a default setting for all teen accounts, yet this shift occurred after legal actions commenced against Meta. In contrast, Mosseri defended Meta’s additional efforts, like the “Quiet Mode” feature, to mitigate the platform’s risks for teens. He mentioned the complexity of addressing such issues, stressing the need for multiple measures.
The trial aligns with rising legal actions against tech companies after studies indicate social media may harm young users’ mental health. Mosseri, who has been with Meta since 2008 and led Instagram since 2018, highlighted the platform’s popularity among youth. A 2024 survey noted six out of ten U.S. teens use Instagram, with half engaging daily.
The courtroom discussions also touched upon internal communications regarding presentations Mosseri received about harmful content on Instagram. Meta lawyers reportedly advised designers to limit data shared with Mosseri to reduce legal exposure. Mosseri denied awareness but supported ensuring data accuracy, preferring product designers over lawyers in determining vital data.
The trial holds considerable importance for Meta, given the potential penalties estimated at $1.4 trillion. Legal experts compare the case to 1990s tobacco company litigation, which resulted in significant settlements and increased awareness about smoking risks. Mosseri is set to continue his testimony, with the trial expected to last five more weeks.