The Daily A Founder of Facebook Says It’s Time to Break It Up
May 10, 2019
Chris Hughes, co-founder of Facebook and Mark Zuckerberg's college roommate, expresses his concerns about the immense power Zuckerberg wields and advocates for breaking up the tech giant. Hughes discusses the ethical implications of Facebook's influence on democracy, particularly following the 2016 election. He highlights missed opportunities to address the company's role in social discourse and calls for more government regulation. The discussion underscores the need for accountability among tech leaders and the importance of independent journalism in uncovering the truth.
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Early Days at Harvard
- Chris Hughes and Mark Zuckerberg were roommates sophomore year at Harvard, sharing a tiny room with two other Facebook co-founders.
- This contrasts with the portrayal of Zuckerberg in "The Social Network" as a cold, calculating person.
Zuckerberg's Evolving Vision
- Zuckerberg's vision for Facebook evolved gradually, from connecting Harvard students to a broader audience.
- The scale of Facebook's eventual success was unforeseen by anyone involved in the early stages.
Skepticism about Connection
- Hughes was skeptical of the inherent goodness of connection, debating with Zuckerberg about its potential downsides.
- Hughes questioned whether Facebook amplified existing vanities or changed people's identities.