Introduction
The head of Instagram, Adam Mosseri, has testified in a California court that even 16 hours of daily use of the platform is not considered an addiction, but rather ‘problematic’ use.
Background of the Case
The case, which is expected to last six weeks, aims to hold tech firms accountable for the impact of their platforms on young people’s mental health. Instagram, along with YouTube, is named in the suit, while Snapchat and TikTok have reached settlements ahead of the trial.
Testimony of Adam Mosseri
Mosseri, who has led Instagram for eight years, agreed that the platform should do everything in its power to keep users safe, especially young people. However, he stated that it is not possible to determine how much Instagram use is too much, as it is a ‘personal thing’ that can vary from person to person.
The Debate on Addiction vs. Problematic Use
Mosseri emphasized the importance of differentiating between clinical addiction and problematic use. He explained that while someone may use Instagram for an extended period, it does not necessarily mean they are addicted. Mosseri also stated that he is not an expert in addiction and therefore cannot provide a definitive answer on the matter.
Internal Meta Survey and Bullying on Instagram
An internal Meta survey found that 60% of Instagram users had experienced or witnessed bullying on the platform in the previous week. Mosseri was not aware that the plaintiff, K.G.M, had made over 300 reports to Instagram about bullying.
Concerns Over Image Filters and Growth vs. Responsibility
A 2019 email exchange between Meta executives discussed the potential negative impact of image filters that allow users to change their physical appearance in photos. Nick Clegg, Meta’s head of global affairs at the time, warned that the company would be ‘rightly accused of putting growth over responsibility’ if it did not address the issue. Mosseri stated that the company ultimately decided to ban image filters that went beyond mimicking the effects of makeup, but later admitted that the ban had been ‘modified’.
Conclusion and Implications
The trial is expected to set a precedent for holding tech firms accountable for the impact of their platforms on young people’s mental health. Mosseri’s testimony highlights the complexities of determining what constitutes excessive use of social media and the need for further research and discussion on the matter.
