The Interview Sir Nick Clegg: Social media’s power paradox
Nov 26, 2025
In this enlightening discussion, Sir Nick Clegg, former UK Deputy Prime Minister and ex-President of Global Affairs at Meta, shares insights on the dual nature of social media as both a democratizing force and a power concentrator. He argues against the practicality of breaking up major platforms, advocating instead for user control and transparency. Touching on teen mental health linked to smartphones, he emphasizes the need for age-appropriate experiences. Clegg also delves into the geopolitics of AI competition and reflects on his departure from Meta amid increasing politicization.
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Network Effects Create A Power Paradox
- Network effects make communication apps more valuable as more people use them, which naturally concentrates power.
- This creates a paradox: technologies democratically empower individuals while centralising wealth and influence in few hands.
Prioritise Control And Transparency Over Break-Ups
- Focus regulation on user control and transparency rather than relying solely on break-ups.
- Demand rights over user experience and clearer visibility into how systems operate.
Evidence On Kids And Screens Is Nuanced
- Evidence linking smartphones and social media to teenage mental-health decline is mixed and context-dependent.
- Clegg urges nuance: avoid throwing away beneficial online spaces while pressing companies to build age-appropriate experiences.
