The NPR Politics Podcast Hear What A Facebook Insider Told Congress About How Its Apps Hurt Kids
Oct 5, 2021
Shannon Bond, NPR's tech correspondent, dives into the shocking testimony of former Facebook product manager Frances Haugen, who revealed the company's knowledge of how its platforms harm children while prioritizing profit over safety. They discuss the troubling impact of Instagram's algorithms on teen mental health, the growing pressure on Congress to hold social media accountable, and the challenges of whistleblowing in such a powerful tech environment. The conversation echoes a call for greater oversight to protect young users from harmful content.
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Facebook's Internal Research
- Senator Amy Klobuchar discussed Facebook's awareness of how its algorithms can lead users, especially teens, to harmful content.
- Haugen revealed Facebook conducted internal research confirming the algorithms' negative impact, particularly concerning eating disorders.
Engagement-Based Ranking
- Facebook and Instagram use engagement-based ranking to determine content visibility, prioritizing posts users are likely to interact with.
- This algorithm, while intended to enhance user experience, can inadvertently amplify harmful content, leading to negative consequences.
Bipartisan Concerns
- The Senate committee demonstrated bipartisan concern over the harmful impacts of social media on individuals, particularly children.
- The presented documents validated pre-existing concerns regarding the destructive effects of these platforms.