When it comes to mathematics and computer science, an algorithm is a finite sequence of well-defined, computer-implementable instructions that are typically used to solve specific problems or perform computations. Or at least, that’s what my google search just told me. I’m sure some of you knew that, but I’d guess most of you didn’t. If you are that familiar with algorithms, I’d suggest you apply for a job with Facebook.
Facebook is the hot topic across not only the country, but the entire world, and it’s a long overdue conversation. Frances Haugen is a former Facebook employee, and now known nationally as the Facebook whistleblower. Haugen brought information about Facebook to the Wall Street Journal, then to 60 minutes, and lastly, the Senate hearing. The documents she took explained the process that Facebook uses to target each of their users, and how they’re able to come right for our weaknesses. They use algorithms to ensure we see what they want us to see, and click on what they want us to click.
None of this surprised me. Facebook isn’t the only thing that knows our habits and uses them against us, although they are the most powerful. With all of their power, there should come responsibility. Frances Haugen proved that Facebook doesn’t care about ethics, because the documents put it all into the public eye.
Shortly after the 2020 election, protections that were put into place to prevent lies from being spread about the election results were removed. Then the lies began, and for every lie we heard, it seemed that each explanation was, “I read it on Facebook.” This divided our nation even farther than we already were, even to the point of an insurrection. Facebook continued their bean counting to help everyone find their “facts” that could justify their beliefs.
The same can be said about Instagram, which is a popular photo/video-sharing app, and happens to be a holding of Facebook. It’s an incredibly popular social media platform, particularly with teenage girls. Each Instagram user is targeted with ads based on their interactions, but for the users with public accounts (rather than private), they’re targeted even more. Comments can be made by anyone regarding anything from their clothes, weight, looks, and anything in between. For the most part, the comments are believed to be inauthentic, but they’re made just the same as others.
Once the comments are made, then the algorithms can kick in. The next thing you know, these teenage girls are seeing ads for weight loss or skin care. All of this because Facebook’s clients want that targeted audience, specifically the most vulnerable of them.
Once the ads are out, the advertiser or Facebook doesn’t care what happens to that young girl and how their ads may have affected her. But for these young and exposed girls, there is nothing more powerful and vicious than a personal, spiteful comment made by another teenage girl, or one of their “friends.” Giving the unfiltered power of hurtful words to anyone, especially young kids, is something that needs to change.
Years from now, Frances Haugen will be seen as a hero for standing up to Facebook and bringing a change.
Let’s just hope it’s not too many years from now.
Good riding with you,
Joel
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