Expert Claims Meta’s Social Media Features Function as an Addictive ‘Drug’ in Ongoing Lawsuit
Former U.S. Attorney for the District of Utah Brett Tolman discusses big tech in court over claims social media is addictive on ‘The Bottom Line.’
An expert witness in a case brought by a California woman against Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, testified that the design features of its social media apps are addictive, likening them to a “drug,” especially when affecting youth.
The landmark case continued in a California courtroom on Tuesday with witness testimony.
Dr. Anna Lembke, a psychiatrist and Stanford University professor, told the court that after reviewing thousands of pages of internal documents and the companies’ own research, she concluded that the design features of social media are indeed addictive.
The mother of four, who oversees addiction initiatives at the university, defined addiction as “the continued, compulsive use of a substance or a behavior despite harm to self or others.”
Lembke argued that Meta deploys “potent” features, such as Instagram’s “infinite scroll” and tailored algorithms, to stimulate dopamine release that “drugifies human connection.”
An expert witness testified Tuesday that social media apps such as Instagram are addictive, likening them to a “drug,” especially when affecting youth. (Getty Images)
Dr. Lembke highlighted that social media addiction can lead to various downstream harms, including depression, anxiety, eating disorders, self-harm, loneliness, suicidal ideation, cyberbullying, and sexual exploitation. She noted that children are particularly vulnerable, often exhibiting rage attacks, threats of self-harm, and insomnia.
After examining Meta’s internal documents, Lembke argued that the tech giant is aware of social media addiction, using the term “Problematic Internet Use” internally to avoid labeling it as addiction and acknowledging its severity.
She emphasized that individuals rarely self-identify as having a social media addiction, often requiring a skilled therapist for diagnosis. Lembke explained that therapists unfamiliar with addiction may focus on unrelated issues rather than addressing the addictive behavior directly.
META RESEARCHER WARNED OF 500K CHILD EXPLOITATION CASES DAILY ON FACEBOOK AND INSTAGRAM PLATFORMS
Signage outside Meta headquarters in Menlo Park, California. (David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Dr. Lembke identified key indicators of social media addiction, including frequency of use, loss of control, cravings, withdrawal symptoms, and associated consequences. She noted that while adolescents are particularly susceptible due to ongoing brain development, anyone can develop an addiction with sufficient exposure.
She explained that social media can neurologically function similarly to other addictive substances, especially in youth. “A child growing up in a family not feeling supported or verbally abused may naturally turn to a self-soothing mechanism,” Lembke stated.
On Monday, a safety researcher for Meta warned executives that there could be upwards of half a million cases of sexual exploitation of minors occurring daily on social media platforms.
META SUED AFTER TEEN BOYS’ SUICIDES, FAMILIES CLAIM TECH GIANT IGNORED ‘SEXTORTION’ SCHEMES
It’s unclear whether Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg will testify at trial. (David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Citing Meta’s internal documents, Lembke noted that females are more likely to be vulnerable to social media addiction. She observed that boys tend to gravitate towards gaming, while girls often face “negative social comparisons,” body dysmorphia driven by filters, and a heightened need for validation after viewing idealized images.
She criticized Instagram for providing “frictionless access,” pointing out that children frequently lie about their age during the platform’s “ineffective age verification” process. Additionally, she stated that its parental controls are overly complex, making them difficult for even well-educated parents to navigate.
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Among other addictive qualities of Instagram’s app, Lembke described the notification tool as a powerful feature that “triggers” cravings to return to the platform. She also noted that the 24-hour time limit on stories creates a “fear of missing out,” or “FOMO,” compelling users to check the platform more frequently.
Adam Mosseri, head of Instagram, is expected to be questioned in court on Wednesday.
FOX Business’ Eric Revell contributed to this report.
Editor’s note: The story has been updated to clarify that Dr. Anna Lembke testified at a California trial, not New Mexico.
Former U.S. Attorney for the District of Utah Brett Tolman discusses big tech in court over claims social media is addictive on ‘The Bottom Line.’
An expert witness in a case brought by a California woman against Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, testified that the design features of its social media apps are addictive, likening them to a “drug,” especially when affecting youth.
The landmark case continued in a California courtroom on Tuesday with witness testimony.
Dr. Anna Lembke, a psychiatrist and Stanford University professor, told the court that after reviewing thousands of pages of internal documents and the companies’ own research, she concluded that the design features of social media are indeed addictive.
The mother of four, who oversees addiction initiatives at the university, defined addiction as “the continued, compulsive use of a substance or a behavior despite harm to self or others.”
Lembke argued that Meta deploys “potent” features, such as Instagram’s “infinite scroll” and tailored algorithms, to stimulate dopamine release that “drugifies human connection.”
An expert witness testified Tuesday that social media apps such as Instagram are addictive, likening them to a “drug,” especially when affecting youth. (Getty Images)
Dr. Lembke highlighted that social media addiction can lead to various downstream harms, including depression, anxiety, eating disorders, self-harm, loneliness, suicidal ideation, cyberbullying, and sexual exploitation. She noted that children are particularly vulnerable, often exhibiting rage attacks, threats of self-harm, and insomnia.
After examining Meta’s internal documents, Lembke argued that the tech giant is aware of social media addiction, using the term “Problematic Internet Use” internally to avoid labeling it as addiction and acknowledging its severity.
She emphasized that individuals rarely self-identify as having a social media addiction, often requiring a skilled therapist for diagnosis. Lembke explained that therapists unfamiliar with addiction may focus on unrelated issues rather than addressing the addictive behavior directly.
META RESEARCHER WARNED OF 500K CHILD EXPLOITATION CASES DAILY ON FACEBOOK AND INSTAGRAM PLATFORMS
Signage outside Meta headquarters in Menlo Park, California. (David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Dr. Lembke identified key indicators of social media addiction, including frequency of use, loss of control, cravings, withdrawal symptoms, and associated consequences. She noted that while adolescents are particularly susceptible due to ongoing brain development, anyone can develop an addiction with sufficient exposure.
She explained that social media can neurologically function similarly to other addictive substances, especially in youth. “A child growing up in a family not feeling supported or verbally abused may naturally turn to a self-soothing mechanism,” Lembke stated.
On Monday, a safety researcher for Meta warned executives that there could be upwards of half a million cases of sexual exploitation of minors occurring daily on social media platforms.
META SUED AFTER TEEN BOYS’ SUICIDES, FAMILIES CLAIM TECH GIANT IGNORED ‘SEXTORTION’ SCHEMES
It’s unclear whether Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg will testify at trial. (David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Citing Meta’s internal documents, Lembke noted that females are more likely to be vulnerable to social media addiction. She observed that boys tend to gravitate towards gaming, while girls often face “negative social comparisons,” body dysmorphia driven by filters, and a heightened need for validation after viewing idealized images.
She criticized Instagram for providing “frictionless access,” pointing out that children frequently lie about their age during the platform’s “ineffective age verification” process. Additionally, she stated that its parental controls are overly complex, making them difficult for even well-educated parents to navigate.
GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE
Among other addictive qualities of Instagram’s app, Lembke described the notification tool as a powerful feature that “triggers” cravings to return to the platform. She also noted that the 24-hour time limit on stories creates a “fear of missing out,” or “FOMO,” compelling users to check the platform more frequently.
Adam Mosseri, head of Instagram, is expected to be questioned in court on Wednesday.
FOX Business’ Eric Revell contributed to this report.
Editor’s note: The story has been updated to clarify that Dr. Anna Lembke testified at a California trial, not New Mexico.
