Zuckerberg Testifies in Trial Over Social Media Addiction
The Spin
Narrative A
Zuckerberg's testimony exposed a billionaire dodging accountability for Instagram's devastating impact on children. Internal documents prove Meta knew teens blamed Instagram for anxiety and depression, yet the company deliberately designed addictive features to maximize usage and profit. With kids spending up to 16 hours daily on the platform and one in 10 teens attempting suicide, holding social media companies liable for the havoc they've wreaked is long overdue.
Narrative B
Teen mental health is complex, shaped by parental drug crises, abuse, student debt and school safety — not simply screen time. The distinction between risk and harm matters: social media poses risks — like crossing a street — but risk isn't the same as inevitable damage. Teens can be taught to navigate digital spaces responsibly. Meanwhile, Meta has implemented parental controls, content filters and crisis intervention tools.
