Zuckerberg to Testify in Landmark Social Media Addiction Lawsuit

Meta CEO set to take the stand in trial alleging major platforms intentionally designed to be addictive for children and teens

Feb. 22, 2026 at 4:15am

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Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta (the parent company of Facebook and Instagram), is set to testify on Wednesday in a landmark Los Angeles trial alleging that major social media platforms were intentionally designed to be addictive for children and teens. The case, brought by a now-20-year-old woman and her mother, claims she was exposed to addictive design features as a child, leading to long-term mental health issues. This is the first of over 1,500 similar lawsuits nationwide to go before a jury, potentially setting a precedent for how tech companies are held liable for product design.

Why it matters

This case could have significant implications for the tech industry, as a verdict in favor of the plaintiff could weaken the broad liability protections social media companies have long relied on under Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act. The outcome could set a precedent for how these companies are held accountable for the mental health impacts of their platforms, especially on young users.

The details

The lawsuit alleges that Meta and YouTube (owned by Google) knowingly built features that encouraged compulsive use among young users, contributing to long-term mental health harm. The plaintiff, a now-20-year-old woman identified as 'Kaley,' claims she got hooked on social media apps as young as 6 years old, leading to anxiety, depression, and body image issues. Her lawyers argue the case is 'as easy as ABC,' which stands for 'addicting the brains of children.' The companies deny the allegations, arguing that mental health outcomes are shaped by various factors beyond social media use and that they have implemented safeguards to protect young users.

  • The trial began on Monday, February 12, 2026 in Los Angeles County Superior Court.
  • Mark Zuckerberg is set to testify on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.

The players

Mark Zuckerberg

The CEO of Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, who is set to testify in the landmark trial.

Kaley

A now-20-year-old woman who is the plaintiff in the lawsuit, alleging she was exposed to addictive design features on social media platforms as a child, leading to long-term mental health issues.

Meta

The parent company of Facebook and Instagram, which is a defendant in the lawsuit.

YouTube

The video-sharing platform owned by Google, which is also a defendant in the lawsuit.

Mark Lanier

The plaintiffs' attorney who argued the case is 'as easy as ABC,' which stands for 'addicting the brains of children.'

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.