An expert witness in a lawsuit against Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, stated that the app’s design is addictive, describing it as akin to a “drug,” particularly for younger users. This significant case is unfolding in a California courtroom.
Dr. Anna Lembke, a psychiatrist and Stanford University professor, testified that after evaluating extensive internal documents and research from social media companies, she concluded that the design features of these platforms are indeed addictive. She, a mother of four and a leader in addiction studies, defined addiction as the persistent use of a substance or behavior despite negative consequences for oneself or others.
Lembke emphasized that Instagram’s features, like the “infinite scroll” and tailored algorithms, lead to dopamine release, which can “narcotize relationships.” She cited numerous downstream effects of social media addiction, including depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and even suicidal thoughts, particularly highlighting how children are vulnerable to harassing messages and insomnia.
According to Lembke, the organization acknowledges social media addiction, using the term “problematic internet use” internally to perhaps downplay the severity of the issue. Most individuals can’t recognize their own addiction and typically need a qualified therapist to identify it.
She noted that people who aren’t trained in addiction may focus on unrelated topics instead of addressing the addictive behavior directly. Furthermore, Lembke, who has encountered numerous cases of social media addiction, pointed out that frequent use, loss of control, and withdrawal symptoms are typical identifiers of such addiction. She stated that adolescents are especially susceptible to addiction due to their developing brains, although anyone can potentially develop it with enough exposure.
On Monday, safety researchers at Meta warned that there could be over 500,000 instances of child sexual exploitation daily on their platforms. A specific case involving a teenage boy’s suicide is drawing attention as the family claims the tech giant ignored a “sexual exploitation” scheme.
Lembke referenced Meta documents that indicate women might be more vulnerable on social media, while boys are often more inclined toward gaming addiction. In contrast, girls frequently experience negative body image issues tied to unrealistic comparisons on the platforms.
She criticized Instagram for its easy access and noted that children often falsify their ages during the platform’s “inefficient age verification” process, alongside parental controls that are too intricate for many parents to manage. Among other features, Lembke described notifications as a significant trigger, encouraging users to return to the app, while the time-sensitive nature of Instagram Stories fosters a “fear of missing out” (FOMO).
Adam Mosseri, Instagram’s chief, is set to face questioning in court on Wednesday.
