I agree that these companies cannot fix the harm they've caused. However, I have an alternative view point on why. I don't think the ML has much to do with it,

I agree that these companies cannot fix the harm they've caused. However, I have an alternative view point on why. I don't think the ML has much to do with it, although it doesn't help. These companies are just trying to increase their engagement metrics, like how long users are on the site, or how many ads they see on average. This was true before they started using ML, but maybe less obvious. What these companies found was that human nature, in general, gets addicted to outrage and gossip. They are just supplying that to us. It's not very different than tobacco companies. They found an addictive substance, that is not good for us, and are trying to get it out as much as possible. The problem is people 'want' this product, despite its negative effects. That's why these companies can't fix their product. It's like asking "How can we make tobacco healthy?". We can't.