Mark Zuckerberg Testifies as Social Media Faces Legal Scrutiny

Lori Schott was determined to make her way from her small town in Eastern Colorado to a Los Angeles courtroom where Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg is set to testify. “I would have hired a pack mule if I had to; I was going to be here,” she stated outside the courthouse.

Schott’s daughter, Annalee, tragically took her own life at 18 in 2020, after battling body image issues that her mother believes were exacerbated by social media. Following Annalee’s death, Schott discovered journal entries where her daughter criticized her appearance and compared herself to others online. “I was so focused on what my child was sharing online that I didn’t realize the impact of what she was receiving,” Schott reflected.

The design choices made by Meta and YouTube, which allegedly draw users into an endless cycle of scrolling and tapping, are central to this month’s landmark social media trial, paving the way for numerous similar lawsuits. The companies have largely denied these allegations. Schott, along with other parents who identify as survivors, has committed to attending the trial in downtown LA.

Last week, the parents heard from Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri, who attempted to differentiate between clinical addiction to social media and what he termed “problematic use.” On the stand, Mosseri claimed that using Instagram “too much” is subjective and varies from person to person, stating he wouldn’t label social media use of up to 16 hours a day as addiction. He also explained why Meta reversed a previous ban on image filters that altered users’ appearances, despite earlier discussions about their potential negative effects on mental health. While the plaintiffs argue that Meta prioritizes profits and engagement over user safety, Mosseri contended that protecting minors aligns with business interests. “In general, we should focus on the protection of minors, but I believe that protecting minors in the long run is good for business and profit,” he stated.

Several parents camped out overnight in the rain to secure spots behind Mosseri during his testimony. Julianna Arnold, whose daughter Coco died from fentanyl poisoning at 17 after allegedly connecting with a dealer on Instagram, was among them. The parents donned rain ponchos, played cards, sipped coffee, and shared stories throughout the night. “Everyone thought we were crazy,” Arnold said. “But we didn’t feel crazy; we were determined to have survivor parents in the courtroom.”

For Schott, who also stayed overnight for Mosseri’s testimony, the reality of being present became overwhelming. “I really hoped it wasn’t as bad as it was,” she admitted, leaving early after hearing Mosseri discuss documents related to engagement, profits, and internal research on girls’ mental health. “It is that bad.”

On Wednesday, Zuckerberg is expected to build on Mosseri’s testimony and clarify the company’s decisions. As the founder and CEO, Zuckerberg will likely face questions from the plaintiff’s lawyers regarding choices they claim have harmed young users. He will probably be asked about the rationale behind various design decisions and the research conducted on user safety. However, for many, the significance lies in the opportunity to confront him directly. “I want him to see my face because my face is Anna’s face,” Schott expressed.

Zuckerberg’s testimony is anticipated to be referenced in future trials and legislative hearings. Numerous social media cases similar to this one argue that platforms like Instagram have caused personal harm, advocating for companies to be held accountable and to modify their products for user safety.

Arnold is uncertain if she will secure one of the limited seats assigned by lottery inside the courthouse. Regardless, she emphasized, “I want to see a row of survivor parents in the front row. He needs to testify in front of us, the parents of kids who died because of his negligence and lack of accountability — that’s why it’s crucial for us to be here.”