The flaws in the assertions made by this Facebook exec are exactly the same as those who assert that Russia "attacked our Democracy" using "social media". In b

The flaws in the assertions made by this Facebook exec are exactly the same as those who assert that Russia "attacked our Democracy" using "social media". In both cases the issue isn't "social media", its our sick society where most people are thoughtless, lack critical thinking skills, and are easily influenced. When people are vapid and whimsical they are extremely susceptible to any kind of external stimulus much like someone with a compromised immune system is susceptible to disease. Unfortunately, by the very nature of our national disease, introspection is absent. Consequently, instead of dealing with the root cause of social strife (the nature and intellectual capacity of our citizens), we seek to externalize the blame ("It was the Russians!" .. "Social media is to blame for our national discord!"). Critical thinking, awareness and presence of mind are not lacking due to some widespread genetic problem. These are skills that have to be honed and developed from childhood. Paradoxically, this problem only gets worse because those who sit at the top of the pyramid of our society don't want a nation full of critical thinkers. They want a nation full of people who are constantly worried about where their next rent payment, credit card payment, or insurance premium are coming from. The last thing they want is a nation full of people willing and capable to challenge the status quo. As a result, things will continue to deteriorate as the vast majority of citizens are more concerned with when the new Iphone is released or what trouble the Kardeshians have gotten themselves into this week.