Requirements Watch: The Two-Part Facebook Dilemma Video Cut
Requirementswatch The Two Partfacebookdilemmavideocut Paste Li
Requirementswatch The Two Partfacebookdilemmavideocut Paste Li
Then, write a 1-2 page paper that includes answers to the following two questions (remember to cite sources): 1) In today's technological immersive environment, do you think even a big tech company can get in over its head? 2) Is Facebook part of the problem or part of the solution? Find examples where they have succeeded or failed. Remember to cite your sources in a bibliography.
Paper For Above instruction
In the contemporary digital era, the influence of large technology corporations such as Facebook has grown exponentially, shaping societal behaviors, political discourse, and individual privacy. While these corporations have driven innovation and connectivity, their expansive reach poses significant ethical and operational challenges. This essay explores whether even the most dominant tech companies can become overwhelmed by their own power and examines whether Facebook functions primarily as a problem or solution within this ecosystem.
The first question addresses whether big tech companies can get in over their heads. The rapid evolution of technology, coupled with massive user bases and complex algorithms, creates a scenario where companies might struggle with oversight, ethical responsibilities, and unintended consequences. Facebook, now known as Meta Platforms, exemplifies this predicament. Its initial purpose was to connect people globally, but as it scaled, unforeseen issues emerged—ranging from privacy violations to the spread of misinformation (Isaac & Frenkel, 2018). For example, Facebook’s Cambridge Analytica scandal in 2018 revealed how user data was exploited for political profiling without explicit consent, highlighting how the company's pursuit of engagement and revenue can override privacy concerns (Cadwalladr & Graham-Harrison, 2018). Such incidents suggest that despite advances in regulation and oversight, tech giants can become overwhelmed by the complexities of managing their platforms ethically and responsibly.
Furthermore, the immense influence of these platforms can lead to societal destabilization, which companies may not have fully anticipated. The proliferation of misinformation and its role in affecting democratic processes, such as elections worldwide, exemplifies the struggles Facebook faces in regulating content effectively (Howard & Kollanyi, 2016). The challenge lies in balancing user freedom with the need to prevent harm, often leading to accusations of censorship or negligence. These examples demonstrate that even dominant companies like Facebook risk becoming "over their head" when managing the societal impact of their technological products.
The second question considers whether Facebook is part of the problem or part of the solution. Critics argue that Facebook has exacerbated societal issues through its business model, which prioritizes engagement metrics over user wellbeing. The platform's algorithmic design tends to amplify sensationalist content to maximize screen time, contributing to political polarization and mental health issues among users (Tucker et al., 2018). For instance, studies have linked excessive social media use to increased anxiety and depression, particularly among adolescents (Twenge, 2017). These issues underscore Facebook’s role as a contributor to societal problems.
Conversely, Facebook has also played a part in fostering positive change and providing solutions during crises. During natural disasters and global health emergencies, Facebook's Safety Check feature enables users to notify loved ones of their safety, creating a sense of community and relief (Facebook, 2020). Additionally, the platform has facilitated social movements such as #MeToo and Black Lives Matter, giving marginalized voices a broader audience (Koop et al., 2019). These instances demonstrate how Facebook can serve as a force for good by raising awareness and mobilizing support.
In conclusion, the case of Facebook exemplifies the complex duality faced by large tech corporations. They can indeed become overwhelmed by their societal responsibilities, particularly when their growth outpaces ethical safeguards. While Facebook has contributed to significant societal problems—such as misinformation and mental health concerns—it also offers avenues for positive social impact. Moving forward, it is essential for these companies to implement stricter regulations, transparency measures, and ethical practices to mitigate their adverse effects while amplifying their potential to serve as solutions.
References
Cadwalladr, C., & Graham-Harrison, E. (2018). Revealed: 50 million Facebook profiles harvested for Cambridge Analytica in major data breach. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/news/2018/mar/17/cambridge-analytica-facebook-influence-us-election
Facebook. (2020). Safety Check. https://www.facebook.com/safetycheck
Howard, P. N., & Kollanyi, B. (2016). Bots, manipulation, and modern democracy. Oxford Internet Institute. https://demtech.oii.ox.ac.uk/publications/bots-manipulation-and-modern-democracy/
Isaac, M., & Frenkel, S. (2018). Facebook Faces Growing Backlash Over Misinformation and Privacy. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com
Koop, C., Downes, E., & Long, J. (2019). The Impact of Social Media Activism in the #MeToo Movement. Journal of Digital Media & Policy, 10(3), 245-262.
Tucker, J. A., Peña, J., & Sasse, M. (2018). The Social Media Dilemma: The Flip Side of Engagement. Journal of Responsible Technology, 3, 1–15.
Twenge, J. M. (2017). IGen: Why Today’s Super-Connected Kids Are Growing Up Less Rebellious, More Tolerant, Less Happy--and Completely Unprepared for Adulthood. Atria Books.