Explaining the Facebook Files (Wall Street Journal)

On September 13, 2021, The Wall Street Journal launched an investigatory series called the "Facebook Files" that showed that Facebook - now Meta - knows "in acute detail that its platforms are riddled with flaws that cause harm, often in ways only the company fully understands."
In this video, Tristan Harris and Daniel Schmachtenberger explain why the Facebook Files are so critically important - and what that means for our broader tech ecosystem.
LEARN MORE: Check out our interview with Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen on our podcast 'Your Undivided Attention': www.humanetech.com/podcast/42-a-conversation-with-facebook-whistleblower-frances-haugen
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This conversation was recorded on September 16, 2021.

[@BrianDeCosta]

It's crazy how little attention these pivotal conversations are currently getting. I know it won't be the case for long. When I listen to you guys I question myself "Am I listening to this because it's merely something to do? Like qanon followers" but, while convos like this seem fringe, I more so think you guys are an extremely rare level of courageous, bold, and awake. I bet very important people are watching this. Keep it up Also Tristan despite your efforts it's obvious when you are reviewing your notes 🤣

[@marvinbecker388]

Schmachtenberger talking is a hypernormal stimulus for me

[@ensomelephant1864]

Perfect

[@andybaldman]

Two of the most important people in the public discourse today. These guys need more visibility.

[@glenncarlson3161]

That's what I just said. I'd like to see them on each daytime talk show. Put this on blast

[@lisastonge2731]

You two wonderful , brilliant, humane individuals are my heroes. PLEASE keep doing what you’re doing. We are at such a precipitous point in our history....it really feels like we’re about to go over the precipice. Personally I have given up all social media except for KZbin where I listen to podcasts like this one or ones that educate or inspire in some way. Thank you, Tristan and Daniel.

[@CenterforHumaneTechnology]

Thank you for following! You may want to check out our podcast "Your Undivided Attention" -- more at humanetech.com/podcast

[@TerryMaplePoco]

I'm very grateful for both of y'all doing what you do - and the CHT as well. Thank you

[@outdoorpublishers9517]

Schmachtenberger is another level of genius

[@glenncarlson3161]

Instead of the 5 o'clock news having showing the latest crime spree, they should give Tristan a few minutes. Or maybe he could go on every daytime talk show? I don't know something. Love this channel

[@CenterforHumaneTechnology]

Thank you for the support of the channel, and of our work!

[@jasondoolin6476]

Yeah, that’s honestly how you get a message out. You have to be everywhere, in front of people for a week straight or something.

[@leedufour]

Thanks Daniel and Tristan!

[@digitalhuman2768]

Thank you, a little overwhelming but it is so important to look reality in the eyes. This should play on national tv of all connected countries of the world every day until every single citizen gets how serious the situation is and find the motivation to start fighting back collectively.

[@Wilki_J]

This is excellent and needs to be part of general education for everyone everywhere, thanks for this.

[@mohammedanwar8048]

I think Tristan should have a conversation with latest Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen. That episode will be epic and eye opening at the same time.

[@CenterforHumaneTechnology]

Hi, we actually did have an extended conversation with Frances Haugen on our podcast, Your Undivided Attention - you can listen to it here: www.humanetech.com/podcast/42-a-conversation-with-facebook-whistleblower-frances-haugen

[@mohammedanwar8048]

@@CenterforHumaneTechnology Thank you so much Centre For Humane Technology team. Always love and support your work. I will definitely listen to it.

[@glenncarlson3161]

I just discovered Tristan and I feel like he is as significant as Edward Snowden. But he's not banished!! Tristan for president or something idk

[@jasondoolin6476]

This

[@ensomelephant1864]

Thank you

[@TerryMaplePoco]

Solutions Journalism sounds interesting, mentioned at 32:12 - apparently there's an episode on that but I couldn't find it. Anyone know where to find that?

[@CenterforHumaneTechnology]

Here is our podcast episode on Solutions Journalism www.humanetech.com/podcast/40-the-power-of-solutions-journalism and you can learn more at www.solutionsjournalism.org/

[@TerryMaplePoco]

@@CenterforHumaneTechnology amazing thanks very much!!

[@jimmybolton8473]

Onpoint

[@fredericroland8204]

Very interesting, thank you. Is there people willing to help translate this to french ? Would that be ok ?

[@CenterforHumaneTechnology]

Hi, if you go to Settings > Auto Translate and select French, KZbin will translate into French

[@jackrabbitjohansen]

i slowed it down to 0.75 to get it all

[@Zzz98534]

Lol 😂

[@Zzz98534]

I get you, don't get me wrong

[@CenterforHumaneTechnology]

That's why we also added subtitles :) Thank you for listening closely!

[@JonathanDavisKookaburra]

What happens when FB's backend becomes an AI as smart as GPT4 or Lamda (including future versions), and it's not just basing it's filter bubbles and manipulation of detecting keywords etc, but in the large language model fully understanding everything we are saying. We should assume it's there already and chatGPT and Bard are giving us direct first hand experience of interacting with the level of intelligence that is pointed at your brain. The level of ability to predict our behaviour using large language models is immense, so the ability to manipulate is also immense. If fb needed regulation before, then now it's basically a form of collective psychosis if we don't.

[@davidhagar1]

One might call these unintended effects of AI attention optimization the “AI monkey’s paw”

[@incognito3620]

These companies “ hook” us on these technologies. Once addicted, there is little agreement on enforcement to control use. When has a cocaine addict willingly decided to stop using? iPhone, iPads, internet are now ubiquitous in society. No one would willingly give it up.

[@sahilakhtar8815]

I want to do internship in your company. I'm a computer science student. Please reply me.

[@CenterforHumaneTechnology]

Hi Sahil, thanks for your interest! We list our open positions at humanetech.com/careers

[@MonaMarMag]

Ufać wszystkim jest szlachetnie . Nie ufać nikomu jest bezpiecznie . Taka jest moja opinia jeżeli chodzi o facebook , instagram ... i nie tylko . Jeśli chcesz liczyć to licz przede wszystmim na siebie .

[@radman1136]

Just curious ... are you two pundits on facebook?

[@HakWilliams]

We're doomed

[@CenterforHumaneTechnology]

Not yet! But we do need to take action :)

[@cr-nd8qh]

The united states' is over and done. It's too late . I'm ready to go I guess