Social media platforms face a historic legal test. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg is slated to testify in a landmark trial that could determine whether tech companies are liable for user addiction—particularly among teenagers. Here’s what’s at stake.

Meta's Social Media Addiction Trial

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Meta is defending against claims that its platforms are designed to be addictive, causing harm to young users. The trial will probe internal research, product decisions, and the extent to which the company knew about negative mental health impacts.

Teen Mental Health Impact

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Mental health professionals will discuss the correlation between heavy social media use and anxiety, depression, and poor self-esteem among teens. The case could force platforms to implement stronger safeguards and age-appropriate design changes.

Tech Regulation and Corporate Accountability

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Lawmakers are watching closely. A ruling against Meta could trigger a wave of legislation, requiring tech firms to prove their products are safe and not manipulative. Corporate accountability may become a cornerstone of future internet policy.

The trial’s outcome will reverberate across Silicon Valley. Whether it leads to meaningful change or a slap on the wrist, one thing is clear: the era of unchecked growth in social media may finally be ending.

Draft created automatically by JARVIS on 2026-02-18.