Instagram Chief Denies Social Media Addiction Claims

Mosseri testifies that he disagrees with idea of clinical social media addiction

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Adam Mosseri, the head of Meta's Instagram, testified this week during a landmark social media trial in Los Angeles that he disagrees with the idea that people can be clinically addicted to social media platforms. The question of addiction is a key pillar of the case, where plaintiffs seek to hold social media companies responsible for harms to children who use their platforms.

Why it matters

The outcome of this trial could set a precedent for how thousands of similar lawsuits against social media companies are handled, with the central question being whether these platforms can be held accountable for the negative mental health impacts they may have on young users.

The details

Mosseri said he was not claiming to be a medical expert when questioned about his qualifications to comment on the legitimacy of social media addiction, but said someone 'very close' to him has experienced serious clinical addiction, which is why he said he was 'being careful with my words.' He said he and his colleagues use the term 'problematic use' to refer to 'someone spending more time on Instagram than they feel good about, and that definitely happens.' Mosseri and the plaintiff's lawyer also engaged in a lengthy discussion about Instagram's use of cosmetic filters that can promote unrealistic beauty standards.

  • The trial is taking place this week in Los Angeles.

The players

Adam Mosseri

The head of Meta's Instagram, who testified in the trial.

Mark Lanier

The plaintiff's lawyer in the trial.

Meta Platforms

The parent company of Instagram, which is one of the remaining defendants in the case.

Google's YouTube

The other remaining defendant in the case, after TikTok and Snap settled.

KGM

A 20-year-old plaintiff whose lawsuit could determine how thousands of similar lawsuits against social media companies would play out.

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What they’re saying

“We are trying to be as safe as possible but also censor as little as possible.”

— Adam Mosseri, Head of Instagram

“Often people try to frame things as you either prioritize safety or you prioritize revenue. It's really hard to imagine any instance where prioritizing safety isn't good for revenue.”

— Adam Mosseri, Head of Instagram

What’s next

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg is expected to take the stand next week in the trial.

The takeaway

This trial highlights the ongoing debate around the potential harms of social media, particularly for young users, and whether platforms like Instagram can be held accountable for negative mental health impacts. The outcome could set an important precedent for future lawsuits.