• Mark Zuckerberg testifies for the first time in a U.S. court regarding youth social media addiction.
• The lawsuit could impact numerous similar claims against major tech companies.
• Meta argues that the plaintiff's struggles are due to pre-existing issues, not social media.
• Countries worldwide are considering legal restrictions on social media for minors.

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg is set to testify in a Los Angeles courtroom regarding allegations that Instagram and other social media platforms contribute to youth addiction and mental health issues. This landmark trial marks the first time Zuckerberg will be questioned by a jury, highlighting the increased stakes compared to his previous testimonies before Congress, as he faces legal challenges that could impact the entire tech industry. The case involves a plaintiff known as "K.G.M." who claims her mental health deteriorated due to prolonged use of Meta's and YouTube’s platforms, with a verdict having the potential to affect how social media companies operate in the future, according to Reuters, BBC, CBS News, and Channel News Asia.

The lawsuit, which includes claims from various families, school districts, and states, highlights a broader backlash against social media firms for alleged negligence in protecting children. Legislation in places like Australia prohibits social media use for users under 16, while Spain and Florida consider similar restrictions. Meta’s legal team argues that the plaintiff had pre-existing mental health issues and insists that usage of their platforms did not cause harm. This defense is bolstered by Meta's claim that research from the National Academies of Sciences did not establish a connection between social media usage and adverse mental health effects, according to Reuters, BBC, and Channel News Asia.

Under cross-examination, Zuckerberg is expected to face questions regarding the design of Instagram and its role in user engagement strategies. Previously, Adam Mosseri, the head of Instagram, noted that prolonged usage doesn't necessarily equate to addiction, labeling it as 'problematic use' instead. The nuances in the definition of addiction and the platforms' responsibility towards users are central to this trial, with some observers drawing parallels to past lawsuits against tobacco industries, suggesting that the outcome could set a precedent for accountability in the digital age, according to CBS News and Channel News Asia.