This Week in Startups Facebook’s whistleblower reveal & major outage + reacting to OZY media CEO on Today Show | E1296
Oct 4, 2021
The podcast delves into the alarming revelations from a Facebook whistleblower about the platform's ethical failures, particularly regarding mental health and democracy. It critiques Facebook's divisive algorithm designed for engagement, raising ethical concerns about user safety. Highlights also include a recent major outage at Facebook and Instagram. In a parallel discussion, the erratic behavior of Ozy Media's CEO on the Today Show emphasizes the troubling media landscape and accountability issues, questioning the integrity of modern journalism.
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Facebook Prioritizes Profit Over Public Good
- Facebook's whistleblower, Frances Haugen, reveals internal research showing the company prioritizes profits over public good.
- This revelation marks a turning point in the ongoing discussion about Facebook's societal impact.
Whistleblower's Credibility
- Frances Haugen, the Facebook whistleblower, has a credible background with experience at Google, Pinterest, Yelp, and Hinge.
- Her impressive credentials add weight to her revelations about Facebook's internal practices.
Algorithm Change Backfires
- Facebook's algorithm change in 2018, intended to promote 'meaningful interactions', backfired.
- It prioritized engaging content, often hateful or divisive, leading to increased outrage and addiction.