Facebook Inc’s website and app, knowingly spread misinformation and creating divisions that harm children, have refused to make changes for profit, a former employee of U.S. social media giant Facebook Said at a congressional hearing on Friday.
Frances Haugen, a former product manager at Facebook Inc., issued a scathing criticism of Facebook after testifying before the Senate Commerce Committee’s consumer protection panel on Friday, the Associated Press and the Associated Press reported.
Haugen told senators that facebook’s power has far-reaching implications and is tied to the daily lives of millions of users. she says facebook platforms promote eating disorders, body attacks and negative self-image, which are particularly dangerous for young people.
“the platform is designed to use negative emotions to keep people on the platform.” “they’re aware of the side effects of the amplification effect of the choices people make,” she said. they know that algorithm-based, or engagement-based content rankings, can keep you on the site longer. you take longer and click more, which will make them more money. ”
to reduce the spread of misinformation and other harmful content, Haugen said, there is no need for a massive re-creation of social media. one of the simplest changes is to arrange content chronologically, rather than having computers predict what people want to see based on the level of attention it may attract.
another approach is to add one click before users share content, which can significantly reduce misinformation and hate speech.
Haugen called on congress to act, “if you don’t step in, they won’t solve this crisis.” ”
Members of both parties in the Senate agreed in a rare position at a hearing on May 5 that Facebook must make changes. Richard Blumenthal, chairman of the hearing panel, accused Facebook of “moral bankruptcy” whose impact would “trouble an entire generation”.
facebook issued a statement after the hearing saying it disagreed with many of Haugen’s testimony, but agreed that “it’s time to set the rules for the internet.”
“the existing internet rules were revised 25 years ago, but it’s not the responsibility of the industry but of lawmakers, and it’s time for congress to act,” the statement said. ”
Facebook is the world’s most popular social media company, with 2.7 billion monthly active users and billions of users of other products such as WhatsApp and Instagram.
