Friday, February 13, 2026-The head of Instagram has taken the stand in a closely watched courtroom battle, pushing back against claims that social media platforms are “clinically addictive.” During testimony, the executive argued that while users may spend significant time online, that behavior does not meet established medical standards for addiction. The case, unfolding against parent company Meta Platforms, could reshape how regulators and courts define responsibility in the digital age.
At the heart of the trial is whether platform design features — from algorithmic feeds to engagement notifications — intentionally drive compulsive behavior among young users. Plaintiffs claim the systems are engineered to maximize screen time at the expense of mental health. Company leaders, however, maintain that their products are designed for connection and expression, not dependency, and point to parental controls, time-management tools, and content moderation improvements introduced in recent years.
The stakes are enormous. A ruling that recognizes social media as clinically addictive could trigger sweeping regulatory changes, new compliance standards, and significant financial consequences across the tech industry. As governments worldwide sharpen their focus on online safety and youth protection, this trial may become a defining moment in how digital platforms are governed. The outcome will not just impact one company — it could redefine the rules of engagement for the entire social media ecosystem.
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