Shalom Olaleye
‘Do you remember what you first posted on Facebook?’
Many online natives may have forgotten what their first post was all about but today’s nerds have taken social media to another level. Which brings to the front burner 20 years ago when Facebook was created and introduced by Mark Zuckerberg.
The idea and actualization emerged from a Harvard dorm room, heralding a new era of connectivity and social interaction.
Currently, it stands as one of the foremost influencers on the global stage, shaping discourse, commerce, and culture. However, this first has a tapestry of achievements, scandals, homicides, online predators, suicides and profound societal impacts.
The Good
Facebook’s inception in 2004 revolutionized the way people connect, enabling individuals to share moments, thoughts, and experiences with unprecedented reach and immediacy. It fostered a sense of community, allowing users to forge bonds transcending geographical barriers. From sharing travel itineraries to heartfelt expressions of love, Facebook’s early days epitomized the beauty of digital connectivity and information dissemination.
The Bad
With time, it became an online space where and when anyone could disrespect countries’ presidents and even royals based on tantrums not necessarily on facts.
Undoubtedly, Facebook’s ascent has been marred by controversies and ethical lapses. Revelations surfaced in 2016 of a massive data breach, exposing users’ personal information to exploitation for political ends. The incident underscored the perils of entrusting vast troves of data to a single platform, raising concerns about privacy and digital sovereignty.
Zuckerberg’s creation became a breeding ground for cyberbullying, harassment, and online predation, tarnishing its reputation as a safe space for social interaction.
The Ugly
In the UK, crime linked to Facebook is reported to the police every 40 minutes. Police officers said in 2023, they logged 12,300 alleged offences involving the vastly popular social networking site.
In Nigeria, police say that the biggest issue is fake news.
Edmonton(Canada) Police Service revealed that since May 2023, there have been more than 40 Facebook Marketplace frauds involving the purchase of new phones and watches that turned out to be fake.
Facebook’s unchecked terrain has facilitated the proliferation of heinous acts, from stalking and harassment to instances of violence and exploitation. Reports of suicides and homicides linked to cyberbullying and the platform’s role in perpetuating harmful standards have cast a grim shadow over its legacy.
Disturbingly, the platform has become a hunting ground for predators targeting vulnerable individuals, including children, highlighting systemic flaws in content moderation and user protection.
Zuckeberg’s Apologies
It is a known fact that Zuckerberg has always apologised to the public at different times making it a recurring theme in Facebook’s history, spanning various controversies and crises.
From the Beacon privacy scandal in 2007 to the Cambridge Analytica data breach in 2018, Zuckerberg has repeatedly expressed regret for the platform’s missteps and shortcomings. Whether it’s mishandling user data or failing to address privacy concerns, each apology reflects Facebook’s tumultuous journey and the CEO’s ongoing efforts to navigate the platform’s complexities. Despite Zuckerberg’s apologies, questions linger about Facebook’s commitment to user privacy and accountability in the face of mounting scrutiny.
Zuckerberg, alongside counterparts from other social media giants, faced serious scrutiny before the US Senate Judiciary Committee amid mounting concerns over the digital platform’s impact on youth. Testimonies of exploited children and grieving parents underscored the urgency.
Though after much pressure to apologise, the Meta CEO did apologise to parents who were present during the hearing. His body language, however did not apologise, according to Anna Legault, a body language expert because he saw almost everyone not as human but as a data.
‘There was nothing absolutely remorseful about his body language but let me just say sorry so that I can leave for another business deal’.
Arguably, Facebook’s legacy will be defined by redemption or further reckoning with its tumultuous history remains to be seen, but the stakes for the next two decades are undeniably high.