Startup Originals Team
Instagram chief Adam Mosseri has said that using the platform for 16 hours a day should be viewed as “problematic behaviour” rather than an addiction, as he defended the social media platform amid an ongoing lawsuit related to teen usage and online safety. His remarks come at a time of heightened scrutiny over the impact of social media on young users.
Mosseri Responds to Criticism Over Excessive Use
Addressing concerns around extreme screen time, Mosseri acknowledged that spending 16 hours a day on Instagram is unhealthy but cautioned against labelling it as addiction. He argued that the term “addiction” has specific clinical meanings and should not be applied loosely to digital behaviour.
According to Mosseri, problematic usage can stem from broader issues such as stress, loneliness, or lack of offline support systems, rather than the platform itself being inherently addictive.
Defence Amid Lawsuit on Teen Usage
Mosseri’s comments come as Instagram, owned by Meta, faces legal action alleging that its products contribute to excessive screen time and harm the mental health of teenagers.
The lawsuit argues that social media platforms are designed to keep users engaged for long periods, particularly younger audiences. Meta has denied these claims, stating that it has invested heavily in safety tools and parental controls.
Focus on User Responsibility and Safeguards
Mosseri said that while platforms have a responsibility to offer safeguards, user behaviour is influenced by many factors beyond app design. He highlighted features such as time reminders, daily usage limits, and content controls that Instagram has introduced to help users manage their time online.
He also pointed to new tools aimed specifically at teens, including default time limits, sleep mode, and stronger parental supervision features.
Debate Over ‘Addiction’ vs ‘Problematic Use’
Experts remain divided on whether excessive social media use should be classified as addiction. Some mental health professionals argue that compulsive patterns mirror addictive behaviour, while others agree with Mosseri that the issue is more nuanced and context-dependent.
Mosseri maintained that framing the issue correctly matters, as it influences how solutions are designed, whether through clinical treatment, education, or better digital habits.
Rising Scrutiny of Social Media Platforms
Governments, regulators, and parents worldwide are increasingly questioning how social media platforms affect young users. Several countries are considering stricter rules around age verification, content moderation, and algorithmic transparency.
Instagram and other platforms have said they are open to regulation but caution against approaches that oversimplify complex behavioural issues.
Looking Ahead
As legal and regulatory pressure grows, Mosseri said Instagram will continue refining safety features and working with researchers, parents, and policymakers. He reiterated that the company does not believe extreme usage should be normalised, even if it is not labelled as addiction.
The debate over how to define and manage excessive social media use is likely to intensify, with platforms, lawmakers, and health experts all shaping the conversation around digital well-being, especially for teenagers.
