AQ'S Corner

Photo Credit: Katrin Bolovtsova

In February 2026, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg testified under oath in a major Los Angeles trial involving allegations that social media platforms were designed in ways that encourage addictive use among children and teenagers. The lawsuit is part of a broader wave of cases arguing that companies such as Meta contributed to youth mental health harms through platform design.

According to reporting by the Associated Press, the trial centers on whether platforms like Instagram were intentionally engineered to increase engagement and whether those design choices contributed to anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns in young users.

For parents, the key issue is understanding what was said in court and how it compares to public health guidance.

What Zuckerberg Said in Court

During cross examination, Zuckerberg was asked whether people tend to use something more if it is addictive. According to the Associated Press, he responded, “I’m not sure what to say to that. I don’t think that applies here.”

He also reiterated that he does not believe existing scientific research definitively proves that social media causes mental health harm in young people.

Zuckerberg denied that Meta designed Instagram to be addictive. While earlier internal benchmarks considered engagement time, Reuters reported that he stated those are not current company goals and that the focus is on creating useful experiences rather than maximizing time spent.

Meta’s position in court emphasizes two main points: that addictive intent was not part of the design process and that causation between social media and mental health harm has not been conclusively established.

How This Differs From Public Health Warnings

The United States Surgeon General has issued an advisory warning that social media presents potential risks to the mental health and well being of children and adolescents. The advisory highlights concerns including excessive use, sleep disruption, anxiety, depressive symptoms, and exposure to harmful content.

The World Health Organization has similarly reported increasing levels of problematic social media use among teenagers. Some patterns resemble behavioral addiction, particularly when platforms rely on algorithm driven feeds, personalized recommendations, and reward based engagement systems.

Public health agencies do not claim that every child who uses social media will experience harm. However, they recommend precautionary measures because adolescent brain development makes young people more sensitive to social reward systems and online comparison dynamics.

The contrast is clear. In court, Meta’s leadership argues that addictive design was not intentional and that scientific proof of harm is incomplete. Public health authorities argue that emerging evidence and observed behavioral trends warrant caution.

Why Parents Should Pay Attention

Parents do not need to resolve a legal debate. They need to understand the broader context.

Engagement based systems are structured to encourage continued interaction. Notifications, personalized feeds, likes, and social feedback loops are designed to maintain attention. Whether described as addictive or not, these features influence behavior.

Adolescents are neurologically more responsive to social validation and unpredictable reward cycles. That responsiveness increases vulnerability to compulsive patterns of use.

At the same time, youth mental health trends have shown measurable increases in anxiety and depressive symptoms over the past decade. While multiple factors contribute to these trends, social media remains part of the discussion among researchers and health officials.

The Importance of Explaining Boundaries

Delaying social media access can be a reasonable protective step. However, delay alone is not sufficient. Children may encounter social media through peers, shared devices, or school environments.

If parents choose to delay access, explanation is critical. Children should understand why the delay exists. Conversations should include digital footprints, privacy risks, brain development, and emotional readiness. When boundaries are explained clearly, children are more likely to internalize the reasoning rather than seek secret access.

Digital literacy strengthens resilience more effectively than restriction alone.

Practical Actions for Families

Families can take proactive steps regardless of court outcomes.

• Keep devices out of bedrooms overnight to protect sleep hygiene.
• Review privacy settings and account protections together.
• Maintain regular conversations about online experiences.
• Teach children how algorithms prioritize content and why emotionally charged material appears frequently.
• Encourage balanced digital and offline activities.

These strategies focus on prevention rather than reaction.

Understanding the Broader Landscape

The Los Angeles trial may influence future regulation and corporate policy. Thousands of similar lawsuits are being closely watched across the country.

Zuckerberg’s testimony represents a corporate legal defense. The Surgeon General and the World Health Organization represent public health precaution.

Parents benefit from understanding both perspectives.

Sources

Associated Press. Coverage of Mark Zuckerberg’s testimony in the Los Angeles social media addiction trial.
https://apnews.com/article/c8cbaa32ccbf4933ec3a7beebd6cf34b

Associated Press. Broader reporting on social media addiction lawsuits involving Meta and other platforms.
https://apnews.com/article/meta-instagram-youtube-social-media-addiction-los-angeles-1b409b31438e5ba46e2e8c064229b51a

Reuters. Reporting on Zuckerberg’s testimony regarding engagement goals and youth addiction claims.
https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/society-equity/metas-zuckerberg-faces-questioning-youth-addiction-trial-2026-02-18/

For a comprehensive overview of recognized digital risks affecting children and adolescents, including harmful content exposure, identity theft, algorithmic amplification, and offline safety concerns, review the full Digital Safety Risk Overview here:
AQ’S Corner Digital Safety Risk Overview – 2026