Instagram’s Head to Testify in Court Over Youth Mental Health Claims

Instagram's leader to testify in court on app design, youth mental health

Instagram’s leader, Adam Mosseri, is set to take the stand in a Los Angeles court on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, in a landmark case that could reshape how social media companies are legally responsible for their platform designs.

The lawsuit centers on allegations that Instagram — owned by Meta Platforms — deliberately designed features that contribute to mental health issues and addictive behavior among young people. A 20-year-old woman plaintiff claims the app’s “endless scroll” design kept her engaged at a young age and worsened her anxiety, arguing this feature played a significant role in her struggle with social media addiction.

This high-profile case is not only about one user’s experience. The outcome is likely to set a precedent for hundreds of similar lawsuits across the United States. Plaintiffs’ attorneys point to internal Meta documents they say show that the company was aware of potential harms to children from its app’s design and that parental controls were insufficient to protect vulnerable teens.

Meta, however, strongly denies these allegations. A spokesperson emphasized the company’s commitment to youth safety and argued that internal research was meant to help add features to enhance control and user well-being.

Importantly, Instagram’s boss isn’t the only executive expected to testify — Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg is also likely to take the stand in the next weeks, adding more weight to this unprecedented trial.

The case comes amid a broader global debate about social media’s role in young people’s lives. Countries such as Australia have already implemented restrictions, banning access to certain platforms for children under 16, and others including Spain, Greece, Britain, and France are considering similar policies.

If the court rules in favor of the plaintiff, it could signal major legal and design changes for tech companies and invite stricter regulatory scrutiny worldwide. The trial represents a watershed moment in how society addresses the intersection of technology, user engagement, and mental health among youth.