Zuckerberg Defiant in Social Media Trial Testimony

Meta CEO insists he's focused on 'building a sustainable community', not maximizing user time spent

Feb. 23, 2026 at 7:15pm

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In a high-profile trial in Los Angeles, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg pushed back against claims that social media platforms like Instagram are designed to be addictive and harmful, especially to young users. Zuckerberg testified that he is focused on building a 'sustainable community' rather than maximizing user engagement, despite evidence presented by plaintiffs that Meta prioritized growth metrics over user safety.

Why it matters

This case could have major implications for the legal liability of social media companies, potentially stripping away some of the liability protections they have enjoyed under Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act. A verdict against Meta could open the door for more lawsuits alleging social media platforms are engineered to be exploitative, especially for vulnerable teen users.

The details

Zuckerberg, appearing defiant on the stand, pushed back against assertions that Instagram and other Meta platforms are designed to be addictive. He claimed the company's goal is to build a 'sustainable community', not maximize time spent. However, plaintiffs presented evidence including a 2015 email from Zuckerberg about wanting to significantly increase 'time spent' on Facebook and Instagram. The case was brought by a 20-year-old plaintiff, K.G.M., who alleges the platforms' algorithms and features contributed to her developing depression and suicidal tendencies starting at age 10.

  • The trial began on February 9, 2026 in a Los Angeles courtroom.
  • Zuckerberg testified on Wednesday, February 19, 2026.

The players

Mark Zuckerberg

The CEO of Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram.

K.G.M.

A 20-year-old plaintiff who is alleging that Instagram and other social media platforms contributed to her developing depression and suicidal tendencies starting at age 10.

Mark Lanier

The lawyer representing the plaintiff K.G.M. in the case.

Judge Carolyn Kuhl

The Los Angeles Superior Court judge presiding over the trial.

Raúl Torrez

The New Mexico Attorney General, who is also pursuing a separate trial against Meta over the dangers of its platforms.

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What they’re saying

“I'm focused on building a community that is sustainable. If you do something that's not good for people, maybe they'll spend more time short term [on Instagram], but if they're not happy with it, they're not going to use it over time.”

— Mark Zuckerberg, CEO, Meta

“The question for the jury in Los Angeles is whether Instagram was a substantial factor in the plaintiff's mental health struggles. The evidence will show she faced many significant, difficult challenges well before she ever used social media.”

— Meta

“In a California courtroom today, Mark Zuckerberg refused to admit what witnesses in our trial have repeatedly shown: Meta prioritizes profits over children's safety. In the New Mexico Department of Justice's trial against Meta, it has become clear that Mark Zuckerberg and Meta have misled the public about the dangers of its products that its own researchers have known for years. Parents need to know about Meta's pattern of deceit and the real dangers children face on these platforms.”

— Raúl Torrez, New Mexico Attorney General

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.