Mark Zuckerberg to testify in social-media addiction trial

Mark Zuckerberg will testify in a trial in which a plaintiff alleges Meta's platforms addicted and harmed her; the case is being treated as a bellwether that could influence many similar lawsuits.

Mark Zuckerberg is scheduled to testify in a trial that questions whether Meta's platforms deliberately addicted and harmed children. The lawsuit was brought by a woman identified as KGM who alleges her early use of social media led to addiction and worsened mental health. The case is one of several selected as a bellwether and could affect many related suits. Key points: - The plaintiff, identified as KGM, alleges early social-media use contributed to addiction and exacerbated depression and suicidal thoughts. - Meta and Google's YouTube remain defendants; TikTok and Snap have settled and are no longer in the case. - Meta has said it disagrees with the allegations and contends its evidence will show a commitment to supporting young people. - Mark Zuckerberg is expected to testify before a jury on Wednesday as part of the ongoing trial. Summary: The trial centers on claims that social-media features played a substantial role in a young woman's mental-health struggles, while Meta disputes that the platforms were the primary cause. Zuckerberg's upcoming testimony is the next scheduled courtroom event, and the case is being used as a bellwether that could influence the handling of many similar lawsuits.