Meta is facing two major trials this week over allegations that its platforms harm children through addictive design features. In New Mexico, the state's attorney general accuses Meta of facilitating child exploitation, while in Los Angeles, a California woman claims mental health damages from the company's design choices. Instagram chief Adam Mosseri testified that social media isn't "clinically addictive," comparing it to binge-watching Netflix.

Meta's legal team has argued that "social media addiction is not a thing" because it's not listed in the DSM-5-TR, the manual used by mental health professionals. Kevin Huff, Meta's lawyer, told jurors that the American Psychiatric Association doesn't recognize social media addiction like drug or alcohol addiction. However, the APA clarified that the absence of a DSM classification doesn't mean social media addiction doesn't exist, and provides resources about the condition on its website.

Clinical researcher Dr. Tania Moretta said Meta's argument "reflects a misunderstanding" of psychiatric classification. She noted that social media use disorder is associated with measurable psychophysiological changes and negative impacts on functioning. Meta faces additional legal challenges, including a June trial with school districts and lawsuits from 41 state attorneys general. The trials will feature internal documents about Meta's research into mental health impacts on young users, with CEO Mark Zuckerberg expected to testify next week.