Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg testified via pre-recorded deposition in a New Mexico child safety trial where he addressed the company’s internal research on social media’s impact on users, particularly minors. Zuckerberg repeatedly minimized the significance of findings related to social media addiction and harmful effects on teens collected by Meta researchers.
Questions on Meta’s Research Findings
During the deposition recorded last March, Zuckerberg was questioned on internal documents that studied user behavior and the effects of feedback on Facebook and Instagram. He appeared skeptical about some research conclusions, such as the idea that users learn to seek social rewards from posting content, which could drive increased platform use.
One document presented showed approximately 20 percent of 11-year-olds were monthly active Instagram users, a figure Zuckerberg acknowledged but said he was unaware of the methodology used to estimate it. He asserted that if the company knew a user was under 13, they would be removed from the platform.
Legal Context and Allegations Against Meta
The New Mexico Attorney General filed the lawsuit in 2023, accusing Meta of failing to adequately protect children, facilitating predators’ access to minors, and developing addictive platform features. Meta denies characterizing social media use as an addiction and highlights its commitment to teen safety.
Meta has argued publicly that these lawsuits rely on taken-out-of-context quotes and asserted that the company prioritizes safety over user growth. Zuckerberg echoed this stance in court, emphasizing the intention of Meta’s apps to be “useful” rather than to maximize users’ time on the platform.
Disputing Social Media Addiction and Negative Effects
Zuckerberg challenged the depiction of social media addiction in the trial, rejecting the characterization posed by attorneys. He also dismissed research suggesting that Facebook’s net effect on well-being is slightly negative, claiming the general consensus differs.
This line of defense aligns with prior testimony in similar trials and follows Meta’s longstanding effort to counter allegations about the negative impacts of its social platforms on mental health and addiction.
Meta’s Response to Whistleblower Disclosures
The trial also highlighted Meta’s internal handling of research leaked by former employee and whistleblower Frances Haugen. In 2021, Haugen disclosed documents revealing Instagram’s negative effects on some teenage girls’ mental health, sparking widespread scrutiny.
Zuckerberg and other Meta executives have consistently downplayed the significance of these findings, stressing the complexity of research and disputing one-sided narratives. Instagram Chief Adam Mosseri testified that much of their research involves surveys and acknowledged that some data may be problematic.
Ongoing Scrutiny of Social Media’s Impact on Youth
This trial is part of broader legal and regulatory efforts evaluating the social responsibility of technology companies in protecting minors. Meta faces mounting pressure to better address child safety and mental well-being on its platforms amid growing public concern.
As courts and lawmakers continue to investigate, Meta’s internal research and executive testimonies will play a crucial role in shaping the company’s accountability and future policies regarding youth usage of social media.
