Zuckerberg Testifies in Landmark Social-Media Addiction Case, Sticks to Safe Script

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg testified in a high‑profile Los Angeles bellwether case accusing Facebook and Instagram of being designed to be addictive and targeting teens. He offered guarded, rehearsed answers and insisted the platforms provide value rather than pursuing excessive engagement, while plaintiffs cited internal documents suggesting goals to maximize usage and minutes spent. A large Instagram post tarp used as evidence underscored the stakes as the trial—one of roughly 1,600 similar suits—could influence liability standards for tech platforms and debates over content moderation and youth safety.