The role of social media is significant. Facebook has been a useful instrument for those seeking to spread hate…

– United Nations Human Rights Council, 2018

I have not, since the January 06, 2021 Capitol Hill Insurgency Attempt (or, as I like to say, “CHIA”), had a Facebook account. Until now.

The reasons for reconnecting are obvious. I run a small business. It makes sense to ensure that I have a more channels of communication. There is only so much patience I can invest in social media, so I am not going to set up accounts in TikTok, Instagram, or eX-Twitter. But, I did have a nice, extended, worldwide network on Facebook at one time, helping me keep in touch with many old friends and contacts that I otherwise would lose track of.

However, what were the reasons for disconnecting, some four years ago?

Well, I hinted to it above. While I was obtaining less and less value from Facebook (the User Interface has changed so many times, it now feels like a busy, loud, street market), I was also finding Facebook was downright harmful!

I am focusing this post on Facebook, but I must say, social media has not been a net gain for justice worldwide. This is primarily through spreading misinformation, organizing politically motivated, armed groups, and decreasing the mental health of its users.

The Echo Chamber Effect

Fun fact: I wrote this post with a “Large Language Model” AI. I do not actually think the “Echo Chamber” is as significant as some people do. (See next paragraph if you do not know what an “Echo Chamber” is.) People with different views interact on social media all the time – to disastrous results! But, they still interact. They talk past each other, but they interact. Still, I think my pet AI did a decent job, so I am keeping this point in.

“One of the most insidious ways Facebook contributes to social injustice is through the creation of echo chambers. An echo chamber is an environment where users are exposed only to information, ideas, and beliefs that align with their own. Facebook’s algorithms are designed to prioritize content that users are likely to engage with, which often means showing them posts and articles that confirm their pre-existing views. This selective exposure reinforces biases and deepens societal divides, making it difficult for people to encounter diverse perspectives and fostering an environment where misinformation can thrive.”

Misinformation and Fake News

Facebook’s lax approach to content moderation has allowed misinformation and fake news to proliferate on its platform. False narratives (propaganda) can have far-reaching consequences, from influencing elections to inciting violence. The spread of misinformation undermines trust in institutions and experts, leading to an erosion of social cohesion and an increase in societal polarization. When users are consistently fed biased or false information, their ability to critically assess and analyze news is significantly impaired, contributing to a decline in overall intelligence, biased decision-making, and demonization of “Out Groups”.

Facebook’s Role in the Rohingya Genocide

In Myanmar, Facebook’s algorithms played a significant role in promoting violence against the Rohingya people. Reports from Amnesty International and the United Nations have highlighted how Facebook’s systems amplified harmful anti-Rohingya content, contributing to real-world violence.

The Myanmar military used Facebook to spread propaganda and incite hatred, leading to widespread atrocities, including murder, rape, and displacement of the Rohingya. Despite warnings, Facebook failed to take adequate measures to curb the spread of hate speech on its platform, exacerbating the crisis. As described by the United Nations Human Rights Council: “The role of social media is significant. Facebook has been a useful instrument for those seeking to spread hate, in a context where, for most users, Facebook is the Internet”.

Facebook’s Involvement in the Capitol Hill Insurgency Attempt

Facebook was also implicated in the planning and organization of the Capitol Hill coup attempt on January 06, 2021. Pro-Trump extremists used private Facebook groups to coordinate their actions and share plans to “take down” the government. Despite Facebook’s efforts to remove content that incited violence, many groups continued to operate and spread their messages on the platform. This failure to effectively manage and moderate content contributed to the events that unfolded at the Capitol, highlighting the platform’s role in facilitating dangerous and violent activities.

The Commodification of Attention

Facebook’s business model relies heavily on advertising revenue, which is directly tied to user engagement. As a result, the platform is designed to keep users scrolling and interacting for as long as possible. This often means prioritizing sensational, emotionally-charged content that captures attention but does little to promote meaningful discourse or intellectual growth.

The constant barrage of “clickbait” and trivial content can lead to shortened attention spans and a preference for superficial information over in-depth analysis. So much so that even workers cannot focus on their jobs for long periods of time, leading to reduced productivity.

Mental Health Implications

The impact of Facebook on mental health cannot be overlooked. Excessive use of social media can contribute to feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and depression. These mental health issues can, in turn, affect cognitive function and overall intelligence. When users are constantly comparing themselves to the often-curated lives of others, they may struggle with self-esteem and lose the motivation to engage in activities that promote intellectual development. They may also rely too heavily on social engagement through the computer, reducing in-person engagement (which has numerous mental health benefits).

Bottom Line

Facebook has brought people closer together and provided a platform for important conversations. However, it also plays a significant role in perpetuating social injustice and diminishing the intellectual capacity of its users.

While I look forward to users engaging with my content, ultimately, I look forward to meeting you for a coffee, a playdate, even a phone call. When I am not working – in the real world – for my clients.

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David Miksha is founder and principal lawyer at Access Law, which focuses on allowing the average Canadian to Access the Law to resolve their interpersonal disputes. Legal assistance is not a luxury, and should not be priced that way – that is why Access Law is the affordable, accessible law firm.