Meta Platforms, Inc. CEO Mark Zuckerberg is expected to face rigorous questioning from plaintiff's attorneys on Wednesday. The plaintiff, a 20-year-old woman referred to in court documents by the initials KGM, claims her early use of social media led to technology addiction and exacerbated depression and suicidal thoughts.

Zuckerberg has previously testified in other cases and has been questioned by Congress regarding safety for young users on Meta Platforms, Inc.'s platforms, apologizing during a hearing to families who believe social media contributed to family tragedies. However, this trial will mark the first time he is questioned on such matters before a jury. Parents who have lost children are also expected to attend the proceedings, which are open to the public but have limited seating.

This case, along with two others, has been selected as a "bellwether" trial, meaning the outcome could influence the direction of thousands of similar lawsuits filed against social media companies.

A Meta Platforms, Inc. spokesperson stated the company strongly disagrees with the allegations in the lawsuit and expressed confidence that evidence will show its long-standing commitment to supporting young users.

Paul Schmidt, an attorney for Meta Platforms, Inc., said in his opening statement that while the company does not dispute that KGM experienced mental health challenges, it disagrees with the assertion that "Instagram played a pivotal role." He referenced medical records indicating a turbulent home environment for the plaintiff; both he and an attorney representing YouTube suggested her use of these platforms was more of a coping mechanism or an escape from psychological distress.

Zuckerberg's testimony follows that of Instagram head Adam Mosseri by just one week. Mosseri testified that he disagrees with the notion that people can become clinically addicted to social media. He emphasized that Instagram has consistently worked to protect young users, stating that "in the long run, making decisions that benefit the company's profits but harm user well-being is not good for the company."

During his questioning of Mosseri, plaintiff's attorney Mark Lanier focused extensively on Instagram's beauty filters, which can alter a user's appearance—a topic expected to be raised again when questioning Zuckerberg. Zuckerberg may also be asked about Instagram's algorithm, Meta Platforms, Inc.'s infinite scroll feature for its news feed, and other product functionalities the plaintiff alleges are "designed to be addictive."

Separately, Meta Platforms, Inc. is also facing another independent trial in New Mexico that began last week.