Instagram head Adam Mosseri told a US court that social media is not “clinically addictive.” His statement came during a trial where a 20‑year‑old woman claims Instagram and YouTube hurt her mental health by using features designed to keep users hooked.
Mosseri said people can spend too much time on Instagram, comparing it to watching too much TV. He argued the app does not meet medical standards for addiction. The case points to tools like endless scrolling, autoplay videos, likes, and beauty filters. Critics say these features push users to stay online longer and can harm body image.
This trial is the first of more than 1,500 lawsuits against Meta and other tech companies. Meta’s defense argued that the woman’s family problems were the main cause of her struggles.
They also pointed to a law that protects platforms from being blamed for user posts. Still, this trial brings back concerns from 2021, when leaked reports said Instagram could affect teen girls’ mental health.
Instagram has since added teen accounts with stricter settings and AI tools to check ages. But experts question how effective these are.
The ruling could set a major precedent not only in the US but also for other nations. In Europe, the EU is questioning TikTok, saying its design is addictive among younger audiences. Regulators point to features like infinite scroll, autoplay, push notifications, and its recommendation system as tools that keep users engaged for hours.
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What do you think of this latest push against social media platforms and their effect on mental health? Is your country doing something about it as well? Stay tuned.
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