Instagram head Adam Mosseri is facing criticism after comments he made during a U.S. trial targeting major social media platforms and their use of algorithm-driven feeds. The case, currently underway in Los Angeles, involves legal action against Meta, TikTok, and YouTube over allegations that their platforms deploy addictive design features that harm young users.
During testimony tied to the proceedings, Mosseri argued that extremely long periods of social media use should not automatically be labeled as clinical addiction. He said that while scrolling for many hours a day can be “problematic,” it is not necessarily the same as medically recognized addiction. He compared the behavior to binge-watching television shows, suggesting the term “addiction” is often used casually in everyday language.
The remarks sparked backlash from critics and digital-wellbeing advocates, who say such statements downplay the potential risks of excessive social media use among younger audiences. The ongoing trial is examining whether platform algorithms encourage compulsive engagement and whether prolonged use is linked to mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation among teens.
Governments in several countries are already debating stricter rules for social media, including age limits and restrictions on algorithmic feeds for minors. Regulators and public health experts argue that platforms should bear greater responsibility for how their systems influence user behavior.
The outcome of the Los Angeles case could have significant implications for how social media companies design recommendation algorithms and how governments regulate youth access to digital platforms. For now, the debate over whether heavy social media use constitutes addiction—and what responsibility platforms hold—remains unresolved.
