We spend enormous amounts of time and energy trying to pick up the pieces of the destruction being left in the wake by social media giants as they get absurdly rich. How about we instead simply make the giants liable for what gets posted on their platforms? Let the “move fast and break things” crowd that is so certain of their own genius spend their billions on figuring it out instead of on how to get you to click on another ad.
They will figure out a solution very quickly or they will simply cease to exist, and either way the problem will be solved.
> How about we instead simply make the giants liable for what gets posted on their platforms?
Because social media is a tool for global social influence and global intelligence that the powers that be do not want to give up. Because those same powers are often invested in social media companies or don’t want to get on their list of enemies. Because it might look bad politically if it proved unpopular. Because they are all social media addicts. Take your pick.
The largest social media platforms should be required to federate and open their data through powerful APIs.
Once they control a significant part of society's communications they own society something in return. Let society access our communications how we choose.
Fentanyl, human trafficking, and identity theft can all be quite lucrative as well. Externalities matter. A high revenue stream does not equate to high benefit to society.
They will figure out a solution very quickly or they will simply cease to exist, and either way the problem will be solved.