> it is weird why facebook would be getting into the realm of censoring things at all.
Not really. The entire Valley is beside themselves over Trump being elected and Twitter, Facebook, etc. feel partially responsible because Trump and his supporters were able to use the platforms to their advantage. To be outplayed by Republicans through the use of technology was previously thought impossible, so they're going to "fix the glitch" that made such tactics possible.
Eve if you ignore theoretical bias it may have terrified them to realize that they may have unintentionally had a SERIOUS effect on the ruler of the free world by not only allowing but accidentally promoting obviously fake content.
There was plenty of relief content that would have defected the election. The fake stuff may not have actually changed the outcome.
But to realize your 'keep up with my friends' business has the power swing elections? That has to be a terrifying prospect.
> But to realize your 'keep up with my friends' business has the power swing elections? That has to be a terrifying prospect.
I really doubt anyone at Facebook, Twitter, or Google would have said "oh my God, what have we done???" if some insidious bit of "fake news" helped Hillary be elected.
I wasn't trying to talk to these specific cases, but I would agree the valley leans left.
> I really doubt anyone at Facebook, Twitter, or Google would have said "oh my God, what have we done???" if some insidious bit of "fake news" helped Hillary be elected.
Really? If my choice got elected because of my site I would be happy I didn't lose but I would be TERRIFIED that I had so much accidental power. What if I'm not a good steward? What if I accidentally misuse it? What if someone else takes over and REALLY misuses it?
I think (hope?) people would understand the power involved and not want to mess with to much.
Not really. The entire Valley is beside themselves over Trump being elected and Twitter, Facebook, etc. feel partially responsible because Trump and his supporters were able to use the platforms to their advantage. To be outplayed by Republicans through the use of technology was previously thought impossible, so they're going to "fix the glitch" that made such tactics possible.