Facebook has hit out at claims made in the the Netflix docudrama ‘The Social Dilemma’ which portrayed the growing divisiveness and danger on social media and the internet, and the role big tech companies like Facebook and Google are playing in this transformation. The company claimed that the film buries “substance in sensationalism”, and rather than offer a nuanced look at technology, it gives a “distorted view of how social media platforms work to create a convenient scapegoat for what are difficult and complex societal problems”. In a rebuttal posted on its website, Facebook defended its algorithms, claimed that its ad business doesn’t make users the product, argued that a majority of the content on its platform is neither polarising or political, and highlighted the measures it has employed to maintain election integrity. However, while defending its position, Facebook also did not mention several instances of these very issues that have plagued its platforms. Here’s a point by point counter of Facebook’s rebuttals: 1. Facebook says every internet company uses algorithms, but remained silent on algorithmic bias Facebook downplayed its use of algorithms, saying that every consumer facing app, including dating apps, cab hailing apps, and Netflix itself uses them. It said Netflix uses algorithms to determine who it thinks should watch ‘The Social Dilemma’ film, and then recommends it to them. Facebook uses algorithms to show content that’s more relevant to what people are interested in, whether it’s posts from friends or ads. “Portraying algorithms as ‘mad’ may make good…
