Facebook’s twentieth birthday was overshadowed by Mark Zuckerberg’s humiliating summons to the Senate. There, the founder of the social network listened to accusations and apologized monotonously, seemingly disconnected from the reasons for his apologies, merely repeating empty and general phrases. Only when it came to Meta’s policy did the businessman revive, passionately describing its efforts to combat discrimination, insults, disinformation, libel and harassment. And of course, keeping herd at bay.
In reality, the social network could not have evolved any other way. It accentuates, like a caricature, the shortcomings of society rather than introducing new ones. The fundamental principle behind Facebook is the notion that “my friend’s friend is my friend” – a system of signalling preferences.
A Failed Utopia
These signals create a “comfort zone” around each person, subtly convincing them that the majority around them shares similar views. Consequently, numerous minorities believe they are the primary representatives of public opinion. When users find themselves outside their bubble, they experience anguish, pushing them back to their comfort zones. Recommendation algorithms further radicalize multiple user groups.
Facebook is not the only, and currently not even the main, problem with social media. The offspring of Facebook users seek alternative platforms. If we liken Facebook to an industrial chicken coop for broilers, then “recommendation networks” such as Instagram and TikTok resemble force feeding geese for foie gras.
The harms of social media have been discussed extensively. Older generation networks like Facebook and Twitter (now X) are detrimental, fostering bragging and deviant behaviour in addition to the described bubbles. The new social networks, especially TikTok and its analogues, are proven to be tools for diminishing intelligence.
On an intuitive level, this makes sense. As someone who once managed popular Facebook and Twitter accounts, I came to the realization that I wasn’t in control; instead, they were guiding me. Consequently, I bid farewell to social media and would recommend that all our readers do the same.
