Meta CEO Zuckerberg to Testify in Landmark Social Media Addiction Trial

The first-of-its-kind lawsuit alleges Meta and YouTube knowingly designed addictive platforms that harmed young users

Feb. 22, 2026 at 1:15am

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Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg is set to take the stand on Wednesday in a landmark trial over allegations that Meta and YouTube knowingly created addictive social media platforms that harmed young users. The trial, brought by a 20-year-old plaintiff identified as "KGM," could shape how thousands of similar cases against social media giants play out.

Why it matters

This trial marks the first time Zuckerberg will defend his company in front of a jury, rather than Congress. The outcome could have major implications for how social media platforms are regulated and held accountable for their impact on young users' mental health.

The details

The lawsuit centers on allegations that Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube - with their recommendation algorithms and infinite scrolling features - were intentionally designed to be addictive. The plaintiff, KGM, claims using these platforms from a young age caused her to become addicted and harmed her mental health. Meta and Google have denied the allegations, with Meta saying KGM faced mental health struggles before using social media.

  • The landmark trial against Meta and YouTube kicked off in late January 2026.
  • Zuckerberg is set to testify in the Los Angeles courtroom on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.

The players

Mark Zuckerberg

The CEO of Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, who will be testifying for the first time in front of a jury.

KGM

A 20-year-old plaintiff who alleges that using social media from a young age caused her to become addicted and harmed her mental health.

Meta

The parent company of Facebook and Instagram, which is defending itself against the allegations of knowingly creating addictive social media platforms.

Google

The parent company of YouTube, which is also a defendant in the lawsuit and has denied the allegations.

Melodi Dinçer

A UCLA law professor and tech justice attorney who has drawn comparisons between this trial and the tobacco industry lawsuits of the 1990s.

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What they’re saying

“A trial like this one will hopefully uncover the disconnect between what companies say publicly to drive up business and engagement and what is actually going on behind the scenes.”

— Melodi Dinçer, UCLA law professor and tech justice attorney

“I do not believe people can be clinically addicted to social media platforms, instead referring to what he calls "problematic use," when people spend more time on Instagram than they feel good about.”

— Adam Mosseri, Instagram CEO

“Instagram makes less money from teens than from any other demographic on the app, adding that teens don't tend to click on ads.”

— Adam Mosseri, Instagram CEO

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether to allow the trial to proceed or dismiss the lawsuit.

The takeaway

This landmark trial could set a precedent for how social media companies are held accountable for the mental health impacts of their platforms, particularly on young users. The outcome will be closely watched as it could shape the future of thousands of similar cases against tech giants.