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Facebook Whistleblower Frances Haugen: The 60 Minutes Interview

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Frances Haugen says in her time with Facebook she saw.

“Conflicts of interest between what was good for the public and what was good for Facebook.” Scott Pelley reports.

What were the negative effects of Facebook’s algorithm that Frances Haugen revealed in her interview with 60 Minutes?

On October 3rd, 2021, Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen spoke out in an explosive interview with CBS’s 60 Minutes program. In the interview, Haugen revealed internal documents from Facebook that exposed the social media giant’s knowledge of harm caused by its platform and its unwillingness to properly address it.

Haugen worked as a data scientist at Facebook for two years before becoming a whistleblower in May 2021. During her time there, she observed the alarming effects of the platform on its users, including amplifying misinformation and hate speech, exacerbating political polarization, and harming the mental health of vulnerable populations.

In the interview, Haugen explained that Facebook’s algorithms are designed to promote content that keeps users engaged on the site for as long as possible. However, this algorithm also amplifies divisive and harmful content, as it receives more engagement and shares than positive and informative material. Haugen provided internal data that showed Facebook was aware of this issue and the negative consequences it had on its users. Haugen said that the company could change the algorithm to prioritize more positive content, but it chose not to do so due to concerns it would decrease user engagement and revenue.

Haugen also emphasized the negative effect that Instagram, a Facebook-owned platform, was having on young users’ mental health. She provided data that revealed how Instagram’s algorithm prioritized body image, leading to increased anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts among young people.

Haugen’s testimony highlighted the need for greater oversight and regulation of big social media companies. She called for the passing of the proposed SAFE TECH Act, which would require social media platforms to disclose the impact of their algorithms on user behavior, among other things.

Facebook responded to Haugen’s allegations by saying that they “deliberately and consistently” shared information about their efforts to improve user safety and security. However, their claims of transparency seem to be contradicted by internal documents obtained by Haugen which reveal a different story.

Frances Haugen’s bravery in speaking out about Facebook’s practices serves as a reminder of the power social media companies hold and the influence they have on our lives. Her revelations have reignited the importance of government regulation to prevent further harm caused by the mismanagement of user data by tech companies. It is high time that such influencers are held accountable for their actions and treated with a sense of responsibility that matches their power.