Mark Zuckerberg Faces Scrutiny in Social Media Addiction Trial
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg testified on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, in a Los Angeles courtroom regarding allegations that his company, along with other social media giants, intentionally designed their platforms to be addictive to children. The trial centers on a lawsuit brought by a 20-year-old Californian, identified as K.G.M. (Kaley G.M.), and her mother against Meta, YouTube, Snap, and TikTok.
Key Allegations and Trial Context
The plaintiffs allege that compulsive use of these platforms at a young age caused severe psychological damage. Snap and TikTok settled out of court, leaving Meta and Google (YouTube’s parent company) to face the first of nearly two dozen similar trials currently underway in Los Angeles. Approximately 1,600 litigants have filed suits alleging that their children suffered depression, dysmorphia, and even suicide after becoming addicted to social media apps.
Zuckerberg’s Testimony and Contradictions
Zuckerberg stated that children under 13 are not permitted on Instagram. However, internal documents presented during the trial suggested that Instagram was aware of approximately 4 million users under the age of 13 – roughly 30% of all 10- to 12-year-olds in the U.S. In 2018 – and discussed strategies to target this age group. When questioned about this discrepancy, Zuckerberg maintained a distinction between allowing underage users and effectively enforcing age restrictions, stating enforcement was “very difficult.”
The Meta CEO too testified that the company does not set goals for time spent on Instagram. However, internal Meta documents dating back to 2013 appeared to contradict this claim, detailing efforts to increase engagement among teens and specifically target users under 13. An internal message from 2017 revealed Instagram employees expressing discomfort with Zuckerberg’s push to target younger users. Documents from 2022 outlined benchmarks for daily active users, aiming for 40 minutes of time spent on Instagram in 2023, increasing to 46 minutes by 2026.
Courtroom Dynamics and Public Scrutiny
Judge Carolyn Kuhl warned those in the courtroom against using Meta’s artificial intelligence glasses, prohibiting facial recognition of the jury and requiring any recorded data to be deleted. The courtroom was crowded with spectators and media, reflecting significant public interest in the case. Zuckerberg reportedly appeared nervous during questioning, occasionally glancing at the jury and the plaintiff.
Meta’s Defense and Political Implications
Meta’s lawyers have sought to discredit the concept of social media addiction and question whether K.G.M. Actually suffers from it. They argue that Zuckerberg’s personal likability is irrelevant and that any mental health struggles experienced by the plaintiff were pre-existing.
Experts suggest that regardless of the trial’s outcome, Zuckerberg’s testimony could damage Meta’s public image and influence its political ambitions. The company has significantly increased its political spending in California, investing millions in ballot measures, state legislature races, and candidates for governor.
Chan Zuckerberg Initiative and Revenue from Teens
Zuckerberg testified that most of his Meta stock is owned by the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI), which focuses on scientific research and charitable causes. He also stated that less than 1% of Meta’s revenue comes from users aged 13 and under.
The trial is ongoing, and its outcome could have significant implications for the tech industry and the regulation of social media platforms.