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Last week we shared a special email update on the recent Facebook Files reporting that some are calling Facebook's "biggest crisis since Cambridge Analytica." The investigative series reveals what Facebook leadership has known about its harms on teen mental health, societal polarization, misinformation, and more.
It also reveals the larger, systemic harms that Facebook — and other persuasive technology giants — are able to have on society.
EARLY IMPACT
We're already seeing increased scrutiny and calls for action in response to the WSJ reporting. Here is some of the early, still evolving impact:
- On Sept 14th, Senators Richard Blumenthal and Marsha Blackburn expressed alarm and pledged to launch a probe into Facebook's research
- On Sept 27th, Adam Mosseri, Head of Instagram (owned by Facebook), announced it would pause the controversial "Instagram for Kids" service being developed
- On Sept 30th, at urgent congressional request, Facebook testified at a Senate hearing on "Protecting Kids Online: Facebook, Instagram, and Mental Health Harms"
- Upcoming on Oct 5th, a Facebook whistleblower will testify at another Senate hearing on the same topic
So far much of the discussion and response has centered on teen and preteen mental health and protections. Yet, these harms are just the tip of the iceberg. Deeply entrenched systemic forces are at play which will require bold solutions that meet the speed-scale of the issues.
BIG TECH: FOR-PROFIT GOVERNMENTS?
We encourage you to check out Adrienne LaFrance's powerful piece in The Atlantic "The Largest Autocracy on Earth". She makes the case that Facebook has all the trappings of what constitutes nationhood: people, a philosophy of governance, currency (Facebook is developing its own currency), and land (perhaps via the metaverse).
What this points to has massive implications: tech is outpacing governance, and doing so in a way that runs counter to functioning democracy.
We need to imagine and build mechanisms of democratic governance that match speed with technical innovation, so that platforms are held accountable for how they shape our lives.
WAYS TO TAKE ACTION
- Get informed through any of the Facebook Files coverage.
- Follow lead reporter @JeffHorwitz's timely Twitter feed commentary.
- Join the virtual event "The Facebook Files: What's Next?" on Oct 7th, hosted by Yale Law School, featuring Tristan Harris, Jeff Horwitz, and many more.
- Be in discussion with your colleagues, family, and community.
