Decoder with Nilay Patel Facebook's VP of Global Affairs doesn’t think the platform is polarizing
Mar 31, 2021
In a thought-provoking conversation, Casey Newton, a tech reporter known for his insights on social media, interviews Nick Clegg, Facebook's VP of Global Affairs and former UK Deputy Prime Minister. They dive into Facebook's recent changes to enhance user control and address criticisms about misinformation and polarization. Clegg argues against the notion that Facebook is polarizing, discussing the platform's responsibility in public discourse. They also explore the complex causes of societal polarization and the need for transparency in addressing content moderation challenges.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Facebook Feed Complexity
- Facebook's algorithms use complex signals and checks and balances, not just rewarding outrageous content.
- Meaningful connections and lighthearted content are prioritized, evidenced by popular posts of pets and babies.
Mother Bear Post
- On Monday, one of the most popular posts in the US was a mother bear with her cubs crossing a road.
- This exemplifies that not all popular content is incendiary.
User Agency vs. Collective Good
- Facebook allows users agency over content but reduces political content by default, creating tension.
- This tension highlights the challenge of defining and implementing collective good on social media.