Staff Reports
In a courtroom in California, the drama is unfolding as Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg takes the stand in a high-profile trial. At the center of this legal showdown are allegations that Facebook and Instagram have been made irresistibly addictive for teenagers. It’s a stark reminder of how social media, once touted as a tool for connection, has morphed into a monster that preys on the vulnerabilities of our youth.
One parent who knows this monster all too well is Deb Schmile. Her daughter, Becca, tragically died at the age of 18 due to fentanyl poisoning after connecting with a drug dealer on Facebook. Sadly, Becca’s downward spiral with social media began even earlier, when she was raped by a boy she met in a group chat, leading to relentless bullying on Snapchat. Like so many other teens seeking solace from digital woes, she turned to drugs—a choice that would ultimately cost her life. Deb, along with other grieving parents, has been at the forefront of a movement pushing for accountability from social media giants like Zuckerberg.
The accusations against Zuckerberg are damning. Critics argue that he has long been aware of the harm his platforms inflict on young users. Instead of making meaningful changes, they claim Zuckerberg has prioritized growth and engagement over the safety and well-being of children. For years, the algorithms have been accused of driving addiction, yet there’s been little action from the top to curb this disturbing trend. It’s no small wonder why so many parents feel like they’re caught in a never-ending battle to protect their children from the siren call of social media.
Deb’s perspective is one shared by countless parents who have witnessed drastic changes in their children’s behavior after they got their first smartphones. Gone are the days of face-to-face interactions; teens now sit next to each other, glued to their screens, texting instead of talking. Even adults are not immune to this addiction, but for teenagers, whose brains are still developing, the effects are even more profound and concerning.
Zuckerberg might have offered an apology in 2024 during a congressional hearing, but for many, his words rang hollow. His subsequent actions, like investing efforts into derailing the Kids Online Safety Act, suggest a lack of genuine commitment to change. Advocates like Deb are holding out hope that Congress will pass legislation to better protect children online. As the trial proceeds, the stakes are high, not just for Zuckerberg but for a generation growing up in the shadow of social media. The question remains: will real accountability and change finally take shape, or will the tech behemoths continue sidestepping their responsibility? The world is watching, and so are the eyes of anxious parents everywhere.
