The long-awaited trial between Meta and Tennessee began Monday, with state attorneys alleging the company disregarded internal research on teen harm to maximize profits, while Meta countered that it has been transparent about risks.
State's Opening Arguments
In opening statements in Nashville, Tennessee lawyer Tom Cartmell said Meta researchers repeatedly flagged teenagers' compulsive use of Instagram, leading to eating disorders, depression, and self-harm. Despite warnings, Meta did not disable features like autoplay, notifications, and infinite scroll, which Cartmell argued were designed to keep teens on the platform longer to increase ad views.
Cartmell showed the jury a 2017 internal document where Meta product managers wrote that features such as notifications and infinite scroll "are inherently at odds with well-being" and recommended a public warning. "This warning never came," Cartmell said.
Meta's Defense
Meta attorney Kevin Huff countered that such documents prove the company actively searches for problems to fix. Huff said Meta developed tools to limit problematic Instagram use and worked to empower teachers and parents to keep teens safe. "We think the evidence will show that Meta is doing its part and empowering others to do their part, because protecting teens online is a shared responsibility," Huff said. "It takes a village."
Broader Context
Tennessee's lawsuit is one of 42 state cases against Meta. It follows a March loss in New Mexico, where a jury ordered Meta to pay $375 million in civil penalties for harming children. Thousands of other lawsuits from families, school districts, and state attorneys general are pending against Meta and other social media companies.
The Tennessee suit, filed by Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti, seeks financial penalties and a court order for Instagram to modify features harmful to teens' mental health. If the jury finds Meta liable, a second phase will determine damages.
The next major trial on social media addiction and child harm is set for October in Oakland, California, brought by attorneys general from 29 states.
