Instagram Boss Testifies in Trial Over Alleged Harms to Kids

Adam Mosseri defends Instagram app in L.A. civil trial as grieving mothers break down in court

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The head of Instagram, Adam Mosseri, testified in an L.A. civil trial over a lawsuit that alleges the company and co-defendant YouTube knew their products were harmful to children. The trial is considered a bellwether that could shape the fate of thousands of other pending lawsuits against social media companies. Bereaved parents waited outside the courthouse and broke down in tears during Mosseri's testimony, which included discussions of controversial Instagram filters linked to mental health issues in young users.

Why it matters

This case highlights the growing legal and public scrutiny over social media companies' impact on the mental health and wellbeing of young users. The outcome could set a precedent for how these companies are held accountable for potential harms caused by their platforms.

The details

During his testimony, Mosseri defended Instagram's practices, saying the company tries to balance safety and free speech. He denied that Instagram targets teenagers for profit, claiming the platform makes less money from teen users than other demographics. However, the plaintiffs' attorney presented evidence of internal emails showing Instagram executives were aware of research linking the platform's features, like beauty filters, to mental health issues in young users.

  • The trial is taking place in February 2026 in a Los Angeles County Superior Court.
  • The lawsuit was filed after the 2020 death by suicide of a young woman named Annalee, whose mother Lori Schott broke down in tears during the proceedings.

The players

Adam Mosseri

The head of Instagram who testified in the trial to defend the company's practices.

Lori Schott

A grieving mother whose daughter Annalee died by suicide after a struggle with what she described as social media addiction.

Kaley G.M.

The young woman at the center of the closely watched trial, who alleges she became addicted to social media as a grade-schooler and that Instagram and YouTube were designed to hook young users.

Judge Carolyn B. Kuhl

The Los Angeles County Superior Court judge presiding over the trial who threatened to remove grieving mothers from the courtroom if they could not stop crying during Mosseri's testimony.

Mark Lanier

The attorney representing Kaley G.M. in the trial.

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What they’re saying

“It's not good for the company over the long run to make decisions that profit us but are poor for people's well-being. That's eventually going to be very problematic for the company.”

— Adam Mosseri, Head of Instagram (Los Angeles Times)

“I can't do this. I'm shaking, I couldn't stop. It just destroyed her.”

— Lori Schott, Grieving mother (Los Angeles Times)

“If there's a violation of that order from me, I will remove you from the court.”

— Judge Carolyn B. Kuhl (Los Angeles Times)

What’s next

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg is expected to take the witness stand next week as the trial continues. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for thousands of other pending lawsuits against social media companies over alleged harms to young users.

The takeaway

This trial highlights the growing legal and public scrutiny over social media companies' impact on the mental health of young users. The testimony and evidence presented could reshape how these platforms are held accountable for potential harms caused by their products and features.