Screen time | Facebook film raises painful question: has anything changed at Meta?

Meta is facing renewed scrutiny over its hardware and business practices, drawing parallels to the fictionalized accounts of internal struggles at the tech giant. A recent discussion with a Meta director regarding privacy concerns over smart glasses highlights a recurring pattern of corporate responses that often prioritize technical adjustments over fundamental changes. Meanwhile, the film The Social Reckoning, which explores whistleblower Frances Haugen’s experiences, details how the company’s algorithms were allegedly prioritized for growth at the expense of user safety and societal well-being. Haugen, who previously visited Amsterdam to discuss her experiences, argues that these platforms are intentionally designed to manipulate user attention, necessitating significant cultural shifts rather than just minor tweaks. While European regulations seek to curb the negative impacts of such algorithms, the film suggests that genuine change remains difficult as users continue to engage with these services despite known risks.