Parents anticipate change against big tech with Zuckerberg's testimony

Lori Schott, a mother from a remote area of Colorado, recounted staring directly at the Meta CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, as he entered the Los Angeles courtroom to testify about the issues surrounding social media addiction.

In 2020, Schott lost her 18-year-old daughter, Annalee, to suicide. She attributes the harm to her daughter's mental health to the social media content Annalee encountered.

"I maintained eye contact with him for quite some time," Schott shared regarding her interaction with Zuckerberg. "I refused to look away."

Though Schott is not directly involved in the trial where Zuckerberg gave his testimony, she joins over 2,000 others who have filed personal injury lawsuits concerning social media addiction and the resulting harm.

The ongoing case in Los Angeles involves a 20-year-old woman, known by the initials KGM, who alleges that her childhood social media usage severely impacted her mental health, leading to depression and suicidal thoughts. 

It's seen as an important test case that might predict how similar legal actions, like Schott's, could proceed.

Meta, the company behind Instagram and Facebook, is listed as a defendant alongside YouTube, owned by Google, as well as TikTok and Snapchat. Both TikTok and Snapchat reached out-of-court settlements.

Recently, Meta cautioned investors that its escalating legal issues about the safety of young users could "significantly impact" its financial outlook for 2026. 

More than 100,000 arbitration claimants have, since late 2024, submitted "mass arbitration demands related to 'social media addiction,'" which, according to Meta's 2026 10-K report, could result in damages reaching "high tens of billions of dollars."

Stephanie Otway, a spokesperson for Meta, expressed: "We firmly reject these claims and believe the evidence will demonstrate our longstanding dedication to supporting young people." 

She cited the numerous changes the company enacted over the last decade, including the introduction of Teen Accounts that provide parents tools to oversee their teenagers' accounts.

Google offered no comment. TikTok did not reply to requests for remarks. A Snapchat spokesperson mentioned in a statement: "The Parties are pleased to have resolved this matter amicably."

Parents arrived hours before the courthouse opened on Wednesday, hoping to secure seats inside. Many shared personal narratives about how they believe social media practices negatively affected their children.

"We often face stigma, being labeled as poor parents," said Amy Neville, another attendee showing her support. She believes that once the evidence is disclosed at trial, "public opinion will shift to our side."

According to Neville, social media platforms intentionally disrupt families.

On the witness stand, Zuckerberg noted that teenagers make up less than 1% of Meta's advertising revenue, adding that teens generally lack disposable income, reducing their advertising appeal.

He emphasised that Meta aims to build a platform that resonates positively with users, encouraging long-term engagement.