Instagram tracked growing usage while targeting teens, lawyers argue | TechCrunch

TechCrunch

by Sarah Perez

March 2, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Instagram has been accused of tracking user engagement and targeting teenagers, particularly focusing on increasing time spent on the app. Internal documents revealed during CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s testimony in a Los Angeles County Superior Court case show that Instagram’s daily usage grew from 40 minutes per day in 2023 to 46 minutes in 2026. The lawsuit, *K.G.M. v. Platforms et al.*, aims to determine if social media companies are liable for youth mental health issues caused by their platforms or addictive designs. The plaintiff, a 19-year-old identified as Kaley, alleges that Instagram’s design contributed to her struggles with depression and suicidal thoughts. Lawyers for the plaintiffs argue that Meta set internal goals to boost teen engagement, despite knowing minors were on the platform. Internal emails and documents suggest Instagram prioritized targeting teens, with one email stating, “Our overall company goal is total teen time spent,” and another noting that teens were the app’s top priority in 2017. Zuckerberg testified that while Instagram has policies against underage users, the company takes steps to remove them upon discovery. However, plaintiff lawyers argue that Instagram did not adequately address underage usage until 2021 when it began requiring birthdays at sign-up. Despite this, the app continues to focus on attracting younger demographics, with internal goals to become the largest teen destination by monthly active users. The case highlights broader concerns about platform responsibility and the potential impact of social media on youth mental health. As tech companies face increasing scrutiny over their algorithms and user engagement strategies, this trial could set a precedent for accountability in the industry. The outcome may influence how platforms design features targeting vulnerable populations and enforce age restrictions to protect young users. For readers interested in tech, this case underscores the ethical dilemmas surrounding social media’s role in shaping user behavior and its potential consequences on mental health. It also raises questions about transparency and accountability for companies prioritizing engagement metrics over user well-being.

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Originally published on TechCrunch on 3/2/2026