Journalists decry Facebook experiment's impact on democracy

Post by datawarrior » Fri, Oct 27, 2017, 10:54 PM UTC

thrusong wrote: post #17

I think there will be increasing scrutiny over Facebook's ability to wipe their hands while claiming "it's free speech." There's a reason the media were information gatekeepers: there's a responsibility to be accurate and unbiased. Facebook's product was manipulated and helped Donald Trump get elected by swaying public opinion. There has to be consequences- sorry, but in my opinion not every voice deserves to be equa…

Post by dang » Fri, Oct 27, 2017, 11:25 PM UTC

nkurz wrote: post #51

dang wrote: post #29

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Substantive critique of Facebook is fine on HN. To illustrate the point, I used a moderation mechanism to rescue the OP from being penalized, which is why you see it on the front page now. That said, you can't do this with an account named "markyuckerberg". We want thoughtful conversation, not cheap shots or personal attacks. Perhaps Zuckerberg needs no protecting when it comes to these things, but HN certainly does,…

Perhaps Zuckerberg needs no protecting when it comes to these things Thanks, Dan! But regardless of one's feelings toward Facebook, I think Mark Zuckerberg should be treated with respect here just like anyone else. Not only is it good for the overall tone of the site, but there are enough "public figures" in tech that use this site that a flat "no personal attacks" (without exceptions for fame) seems like the best po…

Post by dredmorbius » Fri, Oct 27, 2017, 11:45 PM UTC

return0 wrote: post #14

surge wrote: post #10

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Sadly, it's where their audience is.

i dont know. it didn't have to be. journalists embraced social media so tightly both for getting input for their work as well as for audience. They 'd hate to admit it but they became lazy. Partly, they made facebook (and twitter) as mainstream as it is now.

Post by dillondoyle » Sat, Oct 28, 2017, 12:23 AM UTC

frank_abagnale wrote: post #49

dillondoyle wrote: post #47

I assume probably a response to decreased engagement metrics. My 'sample of one': I don't look at FB anymore, going from a daily user to maybe once a month if that. I would likely re-engage if only 'human social' posts were in my main feed. Sounds like I could still find public page posts and meme video shit if I want in the second feed. I could manually attempt to manipulate this outcome but the time and effect woul…

I think FB only cares about maximizing impressions (if the ad is CPM) and clicks (if the ad is CPC). Maximizing user's time by decreasing efficiency with dark patterns seems to be the name of the game.

Post by zjaffee » Sat, Oct 28, 2017, 12:41 AM UTC

cwperkins wrote: post #21

malvosenior wrote: post #3

Why don’t these publishers band together and launch their own news aggregator if they think that’s something people want? I don’t see Facebook owing them a platform here and from a personal perspective politics can’t be removed from my _social_ feed fast enough.

Exactly this - when did Facebook become a platform for everyone I'm associated with to blurt their opinions. I think there needs to be another forum because the only thing I am interested in using Facebook for is to catch up on my friends doings. Weddings, vacations, etc.