Instagram Boss Grilled in Trial on Teen Use

California court hears testimony from Meta executive on social media addiction lawsuit

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri testified in a landmark trial in Los Angeles over allegations that Meta's social media platforms, including Instagram, contributed to a 20-year-old woman's mental health struggles. Mosseri faced tough questioning from the plaintiff's lawyer over Instagram's use of image filters and other features that researchers have flagged as potentially harmful to teens.

Why it matters

This trial represents a high-profile legal challenge to the business practices of major social media companies, with the potential to set new precedents around platform liability for mental health impacts, especially on vulnerable teen users.

The details

Mosseri, who leads Instagram, was the first company executive to testify in the trial. He was pressed by the plaintiff's lawyer over how Instagram handled controversy tied to image filters that allow users to virtually alter their appearance, which some researchers have said can negatively impact teen self-esteem and body image. The 20-year-old woman bringing the lawsuit blames Instagram and YouTube for years of mental health struggles.

  • The trial is taking place in February 2026 in Los Angeles Superior Court.

The players

Adam Mosseri

The head of Instagram, a subsidiary of Meta Platforms (formerly Facebook).

Meta Platforms

The parent company of social media platforms including Instagram and Facebook.

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What’s next

The trial is ongoing, and the judge will ultimately decide whether Meta and Google are liable for the plaintiff's mental health struggles linked to their social media platforms.

The takeaway

This case highlights the growing legal and regulatory scrutiny facing major social media companies over the potential mental health impacts of their platforms, especially on vulnerable teen users. The outcome could set important precedents around platform liability in this area.