Facebook Admits that Social Media is a Threat to Democracy

Social Media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter have often times played a big role in influencing peoples decisions, and mindsets.Is Facebook a threat to Democracy? Social Media lock down is a new practice in Uganda, especially during and before major National elections and Decision making. There are various views expressed that it usually influences people’s perceptions and opinions on certain issues. It also collects a group of rebellious people, due to the nature and amount of false news that surfaces.

Social Media platforms also post content, and make people react on only what they like or find interesting, ignoring the other. Is this healthy for democracy?

FACEBOOK ADMITS

In a blog Post this week, Facebook’s product Manager, Civic engagement, Samidh Chakrabarti admitted that Social Media platforms were slow in recognizing bad actors abusing the platforms. “we’re also working harder to make it harder for bad actors to profit from the false news. Eliminating the incentive to create this content in the first place,” he added.

“While I am an optimist at heart, I am not blind to the damage that the internet can do to even a well- functioning democracy” Chakrabarti mentioned.

He also mentioned that machines fail to understand the cultural nuances of political intimidation. He added that policing the Social Media content globally is an open research problem. Chakrabarti said that Facebook is constantly working to balance the value of openness and transparency with efforts to stop manipulation.

Do you think that Social Media platforms influence the way people think and make decisions? Share your views.