Instagram Clinically Addictive Debate Takes Center Stage
The Instagram clinically addictive debate moved to court this week. Adam Mosseri rejected claims that the platform harms young users. He testified in a major tech addiction trial on Wednesday. Mosseri, who leads the Meta-owned app, said social media is not “clinically addictive.” He argued that critics confuse heavy use with medical addiction. Therefore, he believes the term does not fit Instagram.
The case aims to hold social media firms responsible for youth mental health issues. However, Mosseri insisted the company does not put profit above safety.
Safety, Speech, and Responsibility
During his testimony, Mosseri described Instagram as careful and responsible. He said teams test features used by teenagers before launch. In addition, he stressed that the company studies risks closely. He admitted that social media can cause harm in some cases. However, he compared platform use to watching a favorite television show. People may binge content, he explained, but that does not mean they face clinical addiction.
“There’s always a trade-off between safety and speech,” Mosseri told the court.
He added that Instagram tries to protect users while limiting censorship. As a result, the company aims to balance free expression with safety tools.
Mosseri arrived in court in Los Angeles to defend Meta’s approach. The trial could shape how regulators view digital platforms in the future. Therefore, the outcome may influence new tech policies.
For now, the Instagram clinically addictive claim remains disputed. The court will decide whether social media companies bear legal responsibility for tech addiction concerns.
