Home / Business and Economy / Meta Executive Admits Teen Feature Low Use
Meta Executive Admits Teen Feature Low Use
26 Aug
Summary
- Few teenagers used Instagram's 'Take a Break' feature before it became default.
- Meta faces a landmark trial over accusations of designing addictive platforms for youth.
- States seek $200 billion in damages from Meta for alleged violations.
Adam Mosseri, head of Instagram, testified in a major trial against parent company Meta, admitting that the 'Take a Break' feature saw minimal use among teenagers before being made the default setting in September 2024. Mosseri stated, "Most teens didn't want it," yet Meta proceeded with its implementation.
The trial, involving 29 US states, scrutinizes Meta's platform design, with accusations of fostering anxiety, depression, and suicide in young users. Furthermore, Meta faces federal law violation claims for improperly handling personal data of children under 13, with states seeking approximately $200 billion in damages.
Former employees have cast doubt on the company's commitment to user safety, describing features like 'Take a Break' as difficult to find and 'designed to fail.' Evidence presented suggests that making safety features default could have negatively impacted user engagement, a factor Meta may have prioritized over teen well-being.
The trial, presided over by US District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers, could last six weeks, with jurors expected to issue an advisory verdict on Meta's liability and potential penalties.
