Facebook is a breeding ground for hate and violence. Turns out they’re ok with that.
It’s a sad fact, the Republican Party has leaned further into extremism. So much so that Joel Kaplan, Facebook’s Vice President of Global Public Policy, has repeatedly stepped in to defend hate speech on the platform as to not insult conservatives. When Donald Trump called for banning Muslims from entering the United States, Kaplan was quick to tell Mark Zuckerberg and Sheryl Sandberg to allow the hate speech on the platform. Zuckerberg and Sandberg, both Jewish, know all too well the discrimination and suffering that comes out of religious persecution. Kaplan, however, didn’t care. Banning hate speech would piss off hateful conservatives, and he worried it would push them off the platform.
Facebook ultimately sided with Kaplan.
It turns out that wasn’t the only time his voice has outweighed other—more sensible—voices within Facebook. Facebook had a project to kill “Toxic Content,” hate speech, on Facebook. Once again, Kaplan shot it down.
Project Common Ground
The “Common Ground” project was set out to promote civil political discourse. It was a combination of a number of projects at Facebook. First, it would set out to pop ideological bubbles. By identifying posts as being on part of the political spectrum, and ensuring that people see posts from a variety of political beliefs, Facebook hoped people would engage in rational discussion. They hoped to bridge the political divide. To ensure discussions weren’t counter-productive, Facebook would demote hate speech. They’d identify hateful and incendiary posts made to elicit anger or spread hate, and bury the posts in the news feeds.
Right-leaning users are less likely to see moderate and liberal viewpoints on their Facebook feeds. This is because they’re more likely to engage with fake news, memes, and strawman arguments about liberals. They’re more interested in seeing liberals painted as boogeyman than discussion. That’s why posts claiming liberals are trying to make Santa a woman or ban Baby it’s Cold Outside take hold among the right. They want to think they know that liberals want, but they don’t actually want to listen to them. If they did, they’d find more common ground than they’d realize.
If people could see what each side of the political system really believes, not memes, strawmen arguments, and hate speech, people could expect friendlier exchanges. It would facilitate better communication, much like face-to-face discussions. Project Common Ground would give everyone a voice, allow for kind and rational discussion, and hide hateful posts that add nothing to discussion.
The Kaplan Conundrum
Kaplan, former George W. Bush advisor, seemingly supported alleged rapist and sexual abuser Brett Kavanaugh. Multiple women have accused Kavanaugh of rape, sexual assault, and as an accomplice to gang rape. None of the accusations have been appropriately investigated, though the investigations that were performed turned up no evidence supporting Kavanaugh’s innocence, and plenty of witnesses supporting the women’s claims. That didn’t stop Kaplan and other conservatives from standing behind their guy, who promised to be an “originalist” on the constitution, and stand against women and LGBTQ rights.
Kaplan also ensured that Donald Trump’s anti-Muslim hate speech stayed on the platform. Facebook had an opportunity to stem the tide of hate, say, “no, this takes it a step too far,” but instead allows hate speech against Muslims, LGBTQ people, and other targeted groups. Kaplan fears it could hurt Republicans’ opinions of the site.
Kaplan, essentially admitting that conservatives are toxic and more likely to engage in hate speech, said that project “Common Ground” wouldn’t just promote meaningful discussion, it would demote many conservative voices for hate speech. It’s obvious that hate speech has no value in society. Despite this, Kaplan has expressed his concern at every turn. The Republican party’s platform is largely hate-based now and Facebook could hide their posts at the bottom of news feeds.
Where Do We Go Now?
Facebook’s hidden reactions
Hate speech divides us. It demeans, it enrages, and it spreads vile stereotypes. It leads to actual violence and hate crimes, even genocide. Facebook hasn’t done enough to stem the flow of hate on their platform. Now it seems that, in order to appeal to those spreading hate, mostly conservatives, Facebook will not fix their hate speech problem. Hate speech drives rational voices off the platforms. Perhaps that’s why most of my friends have used Facebook sparingly in the past few months. Facebook’s so rife with hate and wants to do nothing to fix it. Why use Facebook and contribute to the hate and violence it spreads?
Facebook’s pro-hate stance will drive women, LGBTQ people, people of color, non-Christians, and anyone else who prefers rational discussion off the platform. It’s just how Facebook—and Joel Kaplan—want it. Hate speech destroys free speech. It silences voices. Despite contributing to genocide, Facebook has decided to stick with it. It’s only going to further divide and radicalize people all over the world.
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