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Note that Facebook operates and has a similar influence in many more countries. Just like in the U.S., elections in many countries are affected by the 'quality

Note that Facebook operates and has a similar influence in many more countries. Just like in the U.S., elections in many countries are affected by the 'quality' of the information being shared and distributed through Facebook. So Facebook - the people who work at Facebook - should promptly acknowledge its impact on public opinion and public perception (with the dangers that that implies) and immediately focus on finding solutions to these unexpected side-effects of social networks. Things like echo chambers, fear vortexes, fake news, calls to (useless) protest and so on. Social networks have the potential to generate serious unrest - as has been the case in many countries already, so these things should be taken very seriously - more than what Facebook is doing now.

chiefalchemist 10y ago
FYI the quality of information is defined by the minds that consume it. Information has zero value and rating until it comes face to face with the human mind. We need to stop blaming something of no value for the entities that are unwilling to study it. Time for The Kardashians? Check! Think about what I just read? Oh sorry. That's FB's fault? Really? We're advocating for mass ignorance and laziness? What's next? Blaming the super market because I buy soda, chips and processed food? Even when real food is right in front of me? Really?
- delegate 10y ago
  > That's FB's fault? Since Facebook makes this communication possible (and profits greatly from it), it should also assume the responsibility for the side-effects of such communication. These effects exist and have consequences in the real world (sometimes violent) and if left unchecked things can quickly spiral out of control and lead to war. Yes, people should be smarter and not believe the memes on Facebook, but they aren't and there is no time to wait for everyone to get enlightened, so a more practical and constructive solution is needed. One such feature could be to provide 'alternative views' for posts - a sort of forced advertising - in which the views of the 'other' side are offered. A nice and interesting AI project, could save the world.. There's no one else who can do it, only Facebook.

chiefalchemist 10y ago

FYI the quality of information is defined by the minds that consume it. Information has zero value and rating until it comes face to face with the human mind. We need to stop blaming something of no value for the entities that are unwilling to study it. Time for The Kardashians? Check! Think about what I just read? Oh sorry. That's FB's fault? Really? We're advocating for mass ignorance and laziness? What's next? Blaming the super market because I buy soda, chips and processed food? Even when real food is right in front of me? Really?

delegate 10y ago
> That's FB's fault? Since Facebook makes this communication possible (and profits greatly from it), it should also assume the responsibility for the side-effects of such communication. These effects exist and have consequences in the real world (sometimes violent) and if left unchecked things can quickly spiral out of control and lead to war. Yes, people should be smarter and not believe the memes on Facebook, but they aren't and there is no time to wait for everyone to get enlightened, so a more practical and constructive solution is needed. One such feature could be to provide 'alternative views' for posts - a sort of forced advertising - in which the views of the 'other' side are offered. A nice and interesting AI project, could save the world.. There's no one else who can do it, only Facebook.