Meta faces Tennessee trial over allegations Instagram was designed to be addictive

Meta Platforms is set to face a trial in Tennessee, accused of designing its photo-sharing app Instagram to be addictive. The lawsuit contends that the platform deliberately exploits the psychological vulnerabilities of its young users, leading to harmful consequences.

Plaintiffs argue that Meta understood the addictive potential of Instagram's features, such as infinite scrolling and constant notifications. They claim the company prioritized user engagement and profit over the mental well-being of adolescents, particularly girls, who are disproportionately affected by social comparison and body image issues amplified by the app.

The trial will examine evidence related to Meta's internal research and design choices. The outcome could set a precedent for how social media companies are held accountable for the impact of their platforms on user mental health, potentially leading to stricter regulations or design changes across the industry.