4 ms·

I think backlash is important, it keeps big tech accountable. That being said, I do think big tech has been scapegoated for years. Everything is blamed on thes

I think backlash is important, it keeps big tech accountable. That being said, I do think big tech has been scapegoated for years. Everything is blamed on these companies: eroding privacy, Brexit, Trump, fake news, social breakdown -- at some point we as a society need to take responsibility as well because frankly these platforms are a reflection of us as a species. I understand the skepticism, but after seeing how things work on the inside I trust my employer far more.

ocdtrekkie 7y ago
Is it really scapegoating though? Tech companies have radically restructured how business is done globally, ensuring that first and foremost, they profit at every step along the way. Other concerns, important concerns to society, have taken a back seat. I mean, these are the two companies nearly every other company on the planet is in business with, and the negotiating terms are pretty one-sided. I am not sure any other industry in human history has ever held so much power, and it's largely wielded by incompetent kids with little understanding of how what they do translates to the global stage.
- cameronbrown 7y ago
  So to pick up on my specific arguments (politics, privacy)... You could make this argument about any revolution in tech/communications: The printing press certainly had similar concerns (politics + propaganda), same with the telephone ("people are listening in"). Powerful shady people have always been in charge of giant telecoms networks - I'm not saying if that's good or bad, just how it's always been. The biggest difference I can see is that the web (and the networks big tech maintain) are far more open and free. That comes with downsides like even easier spreading fake news, but I don't see this as an issue with big tech, but with people. We've always been like this, but the internet just makes it easier.
Zooper 7y ago
I believe everything you listed is true, so it's not really scapegoating. And, saying society at large should be held responsible for the actions of a few in power is absurdity. "Taking responsibility" would be direct action against those in power. And, I agree.
- cameronbrown 7y ago
  I personally Facebook (& others) are _not_ responsible for what people post on its network - to believe they should be is dangerous. On the flip side, the media have been continuing this relentless attack blaming them for stuff they hate, like Trump, FB in turn try and moderate content, and the right come at them for censorship (because there's invariably false positives in that process). So what are Facebook supposed to do in this situation. Just roll over and die? How are they supposed to take responsibility for the the words the entire western world puts onto their platform?

ocdtrekkie 7y ago

Is it really scapegoating though? Tech companies have radically restructured how business is done globally, ensuring that first and foremost, they profit at every step along the way. Other concerns, important concerns to society, have taken a back seat. I mean, these are the two companies nearly every other company on the planet is in business with, and the negotiating terms are pretty one-sided. I am not sure any other industry in human history has ever held so much power, and it's largely wielded by incompetent kids with little understanding of how what they do translates to the global stage.

cameronbrown 7y ago
So to pick up on my specific arguments (politics, privacy)... You could make this argument about any revolution in tech/communications: The printing press certainly had similar concerns (politics + propaganda), same with the telephone ("people are listening in"). Powerful shady people have always been in charge of giant telecoms networks - I'm not saying if that's good or bad, just how it's always been. The biggest difference I can see is that the web (and the networks big tech maintain) are far more open and free. That comes with downsides like even easier spreading fake news, but I don't see this as an issue with big tech, but with people. We've always been like this, but the internet just makes it easier.

Zooper 7y ago

I believe everything you listed is true, so it's not really scapegoating. And, saying society at large should be held responsible for the actions of a few in power is absurdity. "Taking responsibility" would be direct action against those in power. And, I agree.

cameronbrown 7y ago
I personally Facebook (& others) are _not_ responsible for what people post on its network - to believe they should be is dangerous. On the flip side, the media have been continuing this relentless attack blaming them for stuff they hate, like Trump, FB in turn try and moderate content, and the right come at them for censorship (because there's invariably false positives in that process). So what are Facebook supposed to do in this situation. Just roll over and die? How are they supposed to take responsibility for the the words the entire western world puts onto their platform?