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Mark Zuckerberg was questioned about internal research regarding social media addiction and its effects on users, particularly teens, and largely downplayed the significance of these documents during his testimony.

What is Meta's stance on the claim that its apps are addictive?

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Why was Meta sued in New Mexico?

New Mexico's attorney general sued Meta in 2023 for alleged lapses in child safety, including facilitating predators' access to minors and building features the company knew were addictive.

Home / Technology / Zuckerberg Grilled on Teen Addiction in Court

Zuckerberg Grilled on Teen Addiction in Court

5 Mar

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Summary

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg testified in a New Mexico child safety trial.
Zuckerberg questioned internal research on social media addiction and teen usage.
The company disputes the characterization of its apps as addictive.

Zuckerberg Grilled on Teen Addiction in Court

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg appeared via pre-recorded testimony in a New Mexico child safety trial. He faced questions concerning internal research that explored the impact of Meta's apps on users, particularly teens, and the concept of social media addiction.

During the deposition, Zuckerberg downplayed numerous documents, including research suggesting contributors seek rewards by posting more often on Facebook. He also addressed a chart showing approximately 20 percent of 11-year-olds were monthly Instagram users, stating he was unaware of the estimation methodology and that minors under 13 would be removed if directly known.