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Meta CEO Zuckerberg Testifies in Youth Addiction Lawsuit
Judge bans smart glasses in court as Zuckerberg takes stand in case accusing social media of harming young users
Published on Feb. 23, 2026
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Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg testified in a Los Angeles court in a lawsuit alleging major social media companies built addictive products that harmed young users. The case centers on a 20-year-old plaintiff who claims Instagram and YouTube worsened her depression and suicidal thoughts. As Zuckerberg arrived at the courthouse, members of his entourage were seen wearing Meta's Ray-Ban smart glasses, prompting the judge to ban the use of recording devices in the courtroom.
Why it matters
This trial could set a precedent for similar lawsuits nationwide, as concerns grow over the mental health impacts of social media use, especially among young people. The case also highlights the ongoing debate around the role of technology companies and their responsibility for the effects of their products.
The details
Zuckerberg took the stand as the remaining defendant in the trial, after TikTok and Snap previously settled. The case focuses on design features that plaintiffs say keep teens scrolling endlessly on social media apps. Meta's Ray-Ban smart glasses, which the company has positioned as a vehicle for its AI ambitions, were a point of contention, with the judge banning their use in the courtroom due to concerns about recording devices.
- Zuckerberg testified in the Los Angeles Superior Court on February 18, 2026.
- Last year, during Meta's battle with the Federal Trade Commission's antitrust allegations, a New York Times reporter was reprimanded by the court for wearing Meta Ray-Bans.
The players
Mark Zuckerberg
The CEO of Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and other social media platforms.
Andrea Besmehn
Zuckerberg's longtime executive assistant.
KGM
A 20-year-old plaintiff who alleges that Instagram and YouTube worsened her depression and suicidal thoughts after she started using the apps as a child.
Adam Mosseri
The head of Instagram, who previously testified in the trial.
Meta
The parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and other social media platforms, which is a defendant in the lawsuit.
What they’re saying
“do not wear camera glasses in federal buildings folks 😞”
— Mike Isaac, New York Times reporter (X (formerly Twitter)
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide whether to allow the use of Meta's Ray-Ban smart glasses in the courtroom going forward.
The takeaway
This trial highlights the growing concerns over the mental health impacts of social media, especially on young users, and the ongoing debate around the responsibility of technology companies for the effects of their products. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for similar lawsuits nationwide.
