FT News Briefing Facebook under fire for burying research into mental health impact
Oct 1, 2021
Lawmakers are pressing Facebook to unveil its internal research on the detrimental effects of its platforms, particularly on youth. A compelling case study reveals how targeted ads can exacerbate personal traumas, raising concerns over user control. Meanwhile, experts analyze troubling signals from the bond market amidst inflation worries, hinting at imminent economic challenges. On a brighter note, AI advancements in weather forecasting promise enhanced accuracy, potentially saving lives by better predicting severe weather events.
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Algorithm Insensitivity
- A woman who miscarried twins was bombarded with parenting and maternity ads.
- Her attempt to stop them by Googling "miscarriage" highlights the futility of algorithm control.
Ineffective Ad Controls
- Facebook's ad controls are superficial; algorithms bypass user preferences.
- Algorithms use on- and off-Facebook activity to profile users, rendering controls ineffective.
Beyond Disengagement
- Consider societal and legislative solutions for algorithm control, rather than individual disengagement.
- Platforms should offer non-targeted options instead of forcing complete disengagement.