Decoder with Nilay Patel Recode Decode: Ben Silbermann
Jan 17, 2020
Ben Silbermann, CEO of Pinterest, dives into the unique strategies the platform employs to enhance user happiness and foster community. He discusses the balance between inspiration and safety in tech, addressing content moderation challenges while promoting mental wellness. Silbermann introduces the Verified Merchant Program to bolster online shopping trust and highlights how augmented reality is reshaping retail experiences. The conversation also explores effective storytelling in advertising amidst stiff competition from e-commerce giants.
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Engineering Positive Outcomes
- Positive outcomes from internet technology must be intentionally designed.
- Start with a company mission and align all decisions with it.
Scaling Community Guidelines
- Pinterest initially curated users and sent etiquette guidelines.
- Scaling this approach to 320 million users globally presented a challenge.
Handling Medical Information
- Pinterest initially avoided serving medical information due to the inability to ensure accuracy.
- They later partnered with credible institutions like the CDC to provide reliable medical content.