The Facebook Papers

Issue 31: On what the Facebook Papers tell us about technology and group psychology; making out-group friends at summer camp; and remembering Donald Taylor

Over the past few weeks, the world has gained an unprecedented peek into the internal dynamics of how Facebook operates. Led by whistleblower Frances Haugen, we are coming to a better understanding about how Facebook engineers their platform and the consequences this has for spreading misinformation and fostering social conflict.

"Facebook is optimizing for content that gets engagement or reaction. Its own research is showing the content that is hateful, that is divisive, that is polarizing—it is easier to inspire people to anger than other emotions."

— Frances Haugen, on 60 Minutes.