Should Society Stop Using Facebook?
Social media, specifically Facebook, has unarguably become an intrinsic part of our everyday lives. By December 2018, Facebook had more than 2.3 billion monthly active users worldwide, just within 15 years since it was founded by Mark Zuckerberg. Due to seemingly recurrent controversies, many believe society should abandon it altogether. Would that be the best thing for society?
Many agree that social media websites, such as Facebook, have facilitated our lives by allowing us to communicate with people across the globe instantly and preserving and sharing the most important memories of our lives, while also providing a platform to oppressed groups for activism and mobilization against their tyrants and allowing talented individuals with limited resources the ability to connect with customers for their goods and services.
However, there are many others who claim that continuous privacy breaches, targeted adverting, negative impact of compulsive use on mental and physical health and facilitation of crimes such as identity theft and cyber bullying overshadow any benefits using Facebook might yeild.
So what should society do? Should it continue using Facebook or should it stop?
Economic Growth
AI technologies will dramatically increase productivity across sectors, creating new economic value and opportunities that outweigh job displacement.
Key Evidence
PwC research estimates AI could add $15.7 trillion to global GDP by 2030
Existential Risk
Advanced AI systems could potentially pose existential risks to humanity if they develop goals misaligned with human values or escape human control.
Key Evidence
Open letter signed by 1,000+ AI researchers calling for pause on advanced AI development
Bias & Fairness
AI systems can reflect and amplify existing societal biases, leading to unfair outcomes in areas like hiring, lending, criminal justice, and healthcare.
Key Evidence
Multiple studies show facial recognition systems have higher error rates for women and people with darker skin tones
News
EU Passes Comprehensive AI Act
The European Union has approved landmark legislation to regulate artificial intelligence, establishing the world's first comprehensive legal framework for AI.
UN Establishes Global AI Ethics Committee
The United Nations has formed a specialized committee to develop international standards for ethical AI development and deployment.
Major Tech Companies Sign AI Safety Pledge
Leading technology firms have jointly committed to a set of principles for responsible AI development, including safety testing and transparency measures.