Instagram: Shocking Revelations in Meta’s Survey

Instagram: A recently disclosed legal document has revealed that nearly 19 percent of Instagram users aged 13 to 15 reported seeing nude or explicit content that they did not want to view. The information surfaced as part of a federal lawsuit underway in California. The documents include portions of testimony given in March 2025 by Instagram chief Adam Mosseri.

The Company’s Stand

During his testimony, Mosseri stated that the company generally does not make such survey results public. He also acknowledged that surveys based on self-reported data can sometimes be inaccurate.

Meta Platforms, the parent company of Instagram, has previously faced allegations that its platform may negatively impact the mental health of young users. Thousands of lawsuits have been filed against the company in the United States, claiming that its products are designed to keep young people engaged for extended periods.

Where Did the Data Come From?

According to company spokesperson Andy Stone, the data was not derived from direct reviews of posts but from surveys focused on user experience. Teenagers themselves reported encountering objectionable content on the platform.

Meta also announced that by the end of 2025, it plans to remove photos and videos containing nudity or explicit sexual activity, even if they are generated by AI. However, exceptions may apply in medical or educational contexts.

Mental Health Concerns

The testimony further revealed that approximately 8 percent of teenage users reported seeing someone on Instagram harming themselves or threatening to do so. These findings raise serious questions about the relationship between social media use and mental health.

Mosseri added that most objectionable content is shared through private messages. As a result, the company must strike a balance between monitoring harmful content and protecting user privacy, since many users do not want their private messages to be accessed or reviewed.