Meta CEO Zuckerberg Grilled on Instagram's Impact on Youth

Testimony in landmark social media trial focuses on platform's effects on mental health

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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In a high-profile trial in Los Angeles, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg was questioned extensively about the impact of Instagram on young users, including whether the platform is designed to be addictive. Zuckerberg defended Meta's practices, saying the company's goal is to provide a valuable service to users, not deliberately addict them. However, the plaintiff's lawyer presented internal documents that appeared to contradict Zuckerberg's past congressional testimony about the company's goals around user engagement.

Why it matters

This trial marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing debate over social media's effects on youth mental health. The outcome could set a precedent for thousands of similar lawsuits against tech companies, as lawmakers and the public demand greater accountability for the potential harms of social media platforms.

The details

Zuckerberg was grilled by the plaintiff's attorney, Mark Lanier, about Meta's internal policies and practices around young users. Lanier challenged Zuckerberg's past congressional testimony that Instagram employees are not given goals to increase time spent on the platform, presenting documents that seemed to contradict that claim. Zuckerberg acknowledged the company previously had such goals but said they moved away from that approach. The Meta CEO also faced questions about media training and advice he's received to appear more "authentic" in his public communications.

  • The trial is taking place in a Los Angeles courtroom on Wednesday, February 19, 2026.

The players

Mark Zuckerberg

The CEO of Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and other social media platforms.

Mark Lanier

The attorney representing the plaintiff, a 20-year-old woman identified as KGM, who is suing Meta and Google's YouTube over the alleged harmful effects of their platforms on her mental health.

KGM

The 20-year-old plaintiff in the case, who claims her early use of social media led to addiction and exacerbated depression and suicidal thoughts.

Josh Golin

The executive director of Fairplay, a children's advocacy group that criticized Zuckerberg's testimony as disingenuous.

Paul Schmidt

An attorney representing Meta in the trial, who argued that the company is not disputing the plaintiff's mental health struggles, but rather that Instagram was not a substantial factor in those issues.

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What they’re saying

“All Mark Zuckerberg accomplished with his testimony today was to prove yet again that he cannot be trusted, especially when it comes to kids' safety.”

— Josh Golin, Executive Director, Fairplay (nbcbayarea.com)

“I think a reasonable company should try to help the people that use its services.”

— Mark Zuckerberg (nbcbayarea.com)

“I don't see why this is so complicated.”

— Mark Zuckerberg (nbcbayarea.com)

What’s next

The trial is expected to continue in the coming weeks, with additional testimony from Meta and YouTube executives. The judge will ultimately decide the case, which could set a precedent for thousands of similar lawsuits against social media companies.

The takeaway

This high-profile trial underscores the growing scrutiny and legal pressure on tech giants like Meta to address the potential harms of their platforms, especially for vulnerable young users. The outcome could have far-reaching implications for the future regulation and accountability of the social media industry.