Issue 83: We Can Fix Social Media
Welcome to Backstory, a weekly newsletter turning global technology shifts into a three-minute read. This week, we’re thinking about making social media better – Mary Ames, Director of Strategy
THE BIG TAKE
We Can Fix Social Media
Oh, Facebook. By now, it feels like an old story. Incredible reporting by the Wall Street Journal uncovered surprising new details concerning the level of toxicity on Facebook’s platforms. Perhaps the most devastating details reveal that Facebook executives fully understand the corrosive nature of its products. For example, internal documents demonstrate without any doubt that Facebook understands how dangerous Instagram is for young children, specifically girls. This isn’t a new story, but given the level of detail we have about the social media platform, it’s past time for the international community to get serious about finding solutions.
Social media isn’t the problem: Let’s be clear that social media isn’t the problem itself. For the past two decades, social media platforms have facilitated a new way of communication and sharing. These platforms have brought the world closer together and have proven especially critical over the last two years of the Covid-19 pandemic. The problem lies with control and oversight. Through the latest investigation in the Journal, it’s clear that Facebook is aware of the issues facing its platforms but is either unwilling or unable to solve them. We need a new path.
Small states can help: We have written in the past that smaller countries with large technology sectors like the UAE can play an essential role in reigning in major social media networks by sharing local knowledge. The UAE is an excellent example because the country is home to over 200 nationalities and thus understands user needs on a deep and varied level. Moreover, the UAE has made digital wellness a crucial part of its government approach to technology. We can all agree that a fresh approach to wellness on major social media platforms would do wonders for everyone. Instead of focusing on the past, it’s time for companies like Facebook to work with governments like the UAE to create a better and more calm social media environment.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“A real friendship ought to introduce each person to unexpected weirdness in the other.”
– Jaron Lanier, author and technologist
OUR VIEWS THIS WEEK
Creating the internet: Social media companies have tried their best to stay away from content moderation for most of their existence. Leading platforms such as Facebook and Twitter have repeatedly argued that they can’t be the arbiters of truth or the editors of perceptions. That’s all changing now. Companies such as Twitter have started moderating content from significant figures such as US President Donald Trump. This week, we explore how content moderation is a perfect opportunity for small states like the UAE to help define the internet we want.
Climate change is here: It’s hard to avoid the news about climate change these days. From dire reports to unusual weather patterns worldwide, you can’t avoid how dramatically our planet is changing. This week, we consider the issue of growth and climate change more deeply. As our attention shifts to mitigation efforts, might advanced technologies modeled by the UAE provide a solution?
SPOTTED ELSEWHERE
We know nothing: Here is a shocking fact: We know next to nothing about how the human brain functions. It might sound like a bold statement, but we are pretty much in the dark when it comes to a deep knowledge of how this incredible organ work. Consider a new study that finds that a single neuron in our brain is incredibly complex and works like a small computer. One neuron! We have so much left to learn about ourselves.
Get your attention back: The attention economy and digital wellness are important issues for us. This older article from Wired captures one writer’s attempt to “get his attention” back. It’s well worth a weekend read and more profound meditation. Virtually everyone these days feels as though there are daily barriers to more profound thought and attention.
QUICK HITS
Does technology have a soul?
Can we live without Twitter?
Luxury surveillance.