The head of Instagram denied the validity of the concept of “clinical addiction” for social media users, in testimony given before a court in California that is examining whether his company intentionally created addiction among children on its platform to generate profit.
The parent company of Instagram and Facebook, along with the owner of YouTube, are defending their applications in a trial that could set a legal precedent on whether social media giants deliberately designed their apps to be addictive to children.
Clinical Addiction and Problematic Use
In response to a question from the plaintiff’s attorney, the executive said: “I believe it is very important to distinguish between clinical addiction and use that is problematic.”
He continued: “I’m sure I’ve said I was addicted to a show on Netflix when I binge-watched it very late, but I don’t believe that rises to the level of clinical addiction.”
The issue of addiction is at the heart of the civil trial, which centers on allegations that a 20-year-old woman, known as “Kylie G.M.,” suffered severe psychological harm after becoming addicted to social media as a young child.
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The young woman began using YouTube at age six, then created an Instagram account at age eleven, before joining Snapchat and TikTok two or three years later; she says she entered a state of severe addiction, which plunged her into a spiral of depression, anxiety, and body image issues.
The executive is the first prominent figure from Silicon Valley to appear before a jury to face accusations that Instagram causes addiction in susceptible youth.
Before the jury of six men and six women, the executive also denied the validity of the concept that the company prioritizes profit over safety, saying: “Protecting minors in the long term is also good for business and profitability.”
The CEO of the parent company will be among those called to testify in the courtroom on February 18.
Instagram
Instagram is a social media platform founded in 2010, initially focused on sharing photos and videos with filters. It has since evolved into a major cultural site for visual communication, influencer marketing, and digital storytelling, significantly impacting global social interaction and media consumption.
California
California is a state on the west coast of the United States, originally inhabited by numerous Native American tribes before becoming a Spanish colony and later part of Mexico. It was annexed by the U.S. in 1848, the same year the California Gold Rush triggered a massive population boom and rapid development. Today, it is known globally for its diverse economy, encompassing technology, agriculture, and entertainment.
Facebook
Facebook is a social media platform founded in 2004 by Mark Zuckerberg and his Harvard University roommates. It began as a network for college students before expanding globally, fundamentally changing online communication and becoming one of the world’s largest technology companies.
YouTube
YouTube is an online video-sharing platform founded in 2005 that allows users to upload, view, and share video content. It has grown from a simple website for personal videos into a global cultural hub and one of the world’s most visited sites, fundamentally changing media consumption and creator culture.
Netflix
Netflix is an American subscription-based streaming service founded in 1997, originally as a DVD-by-mail rental company. It revolutionized home entertainment by pioneering a streaming model in 2007, leading to its current status as a global producer and distributor of films and television series.
Kylie G.M.
“Kylie G.M.” does not correspond to a widely recognized place or cultural site. Without additional context or clarification, it is not possible to provide a meaningful historical summary.
Europe
Europe is a continent with a rich and complex history, shaped by ancient civilizations like Greece and Rome, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, and periods of both conflict and cooperation. It is home to countless cultural sites, from prehistoric cave paintings to grand cathedrals and castles, reflecting its diverse artistic and architectural heritage. The modern political and economic entity of the European Union emerged in the latter 20th century as a project to foster unity and peace among its nations.
Australia
Australia is a continent and nation with a rich Indigenous history spanning over 65,000 years, followed by British colonization beginning in 1788. It is known for its unique ecosystems, iconic landmarks like the Sydney Opera House and Uluru, and a modern multicultural society shaped by waves of immigration.
Snapchat
Snapchat is a multimedia messaging app launched in 2011, known for pioneering ephemeral “Stories” and augmented reality filters. Its history is rooted in a focus on visual, temporary communication, which distinguished it from permanent social media posts and fueled its popularity, particularly among younger users.
TikTok
TikTok is a social media platform for sharing short-form videos, launched internationally in 2017 by the Chinese company ByteDance after merging with its predecessor, Douyin. It rapidly grew into a global cultural phenomenon, significantly influencing music, trends, and digital entertainment.
Silicon Valley
Silicon Valley is a region in Northern California renowned as a global center for high technology and innovation. Its modern identity began in the mid-20th century, fueled by the growth of the semiconductor industry, Stanford University, and venture capital investment. The area remains synonymous with the development of computing, software, and internet companies.
