Is Facebook the problem, or are we the ones with the problem?

The nightmare arrived.

The first half of October was probably a nightmare for Facebook. On October 4th, Facebook and its apps, including Instagram and WhatsApp, experienced a technical issue for over six hours, preventing more than 3 billion users from accessing the platform. On October 8th, the problem recurred for a shorter period, approximately two hours.

Although Facebook was able to fix the two technical issues within 24 hours, they were unable to quickly resolve another matter: the hearing of a former Facebook employee, Frances Haugen, before the US Senate on October 5th. Haugen stated that before leaving her job, she secretly copied 10,000 internal Facebook documents and sent them to US lawmakers, accusing Facebook of concealing information.They were aware of the negative impacts caused by their platform..

During the hearing, Ms. Haugen cited internal documents accusing Facebook of "always prioritizing profit over user interests," harming the mental health of teenagers, and using algorithms to destabilize democracy through inaccurate and divisive content. Furthermore, Facebook had a special mechanism for VIP accounts, allowing VIPs to freely access the online space. According to Ms. Haugen, Facebook understood the consequences of these actions, but also knew that adjusting its algorithms to make its platform safer for users would make users less interested in Facebook.clickThe situation became more volatile, and inevitably, the company generated less revenue. The tension escalated further when, on October 18th in the US, a group of about 20 people protested in front of Mark Zuckerberg's residence, demanding his dismissal.

"Just delete Facebook already!"

As an immediate effect, thousands of complaints arose worldwide regarding the social network's excessive interference in collecting users' personal information, the rampant spread of fake news and scams, and other issues, to the point that many people declared they would delete the app and boycott the social network.

Evan Greer, director of Fight For The Future (a digital rights organization), stated on Twitter: "Delete Facebook (#DeleteFacebook). But what we really need to do is eliminate surveillance capitalism. We need to do this by asking lawmakers in Washington DC to pass a privacy data bill that eradicates Facebook's business model based on exploiting individual data and using it to create algorithms that manipulate users."

Maria Ressa, the Filipino journalist who recently received the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize, also sharply criticized Facebook. According to her, Facebook has failed to prevent fake news and hateful information from spreading on its platform. She argued that Facebook's algorithms "prioritize the dissemination of lies, filled with anger and hatred, over factual evidence."

Along with complaints and reports about the extent of personal information leaks when using Facebook, there is also the problem of fake news and malicious information.shareNonsense and cyberattacks are also on the rise on this social network. Just look at the Vietnamese Facebook platform; every day, netizens are treated to a feast of nonsense.theater"Exposing" or "mocking" someone. For example, Chipu's recent use of a mix of English and Vietnamese was widely ridiculed online for a considerable period (and the mockery continues); or the increasingly common and annoying livestream scenarios that intentionally shock viewers and use vulgar language to attract attention... Is Facebook still a healthy social network, or is it time for us to just "delete Facebook altogether"?

Don't blame Facebook.

"Thanks to Facebook, I've met so many good friends, intelligent, successful people full of positive energy. Thanks to Facebook, I've been able to share so much of my experience with people who love food. Thanks to Facebook, I've found relatives and friends I've lost touch with for a long time [...]" - excerpt from a Facebook post by Nguyen Manh Hung, a chef with over 16,000 followers on his personal account.

Chef Nguyen Manh Hung is not the only one defending Facebook's interests. And until the US courts decide right from wrong in Facebook's recent scandals, we – those of us who regularly access this blue "F" app every day – can still come to our own conclusions.

Are we always curious about shocking, sensational news? Do we feel excited whenever a new "incident" breaks out online? Do we feel more comforted when we "share" our sadness and sympathy for some unfamiliar tragedy online? And are we still following pages that gossip about showbiz secrets, public disputes, and so on?Okay, NEU Confessions,...?

By now, you may have realized that Facebook does nothing but present dishes that our souls crave – dishes that...toxic.

Change your personal "taste".

Is there a way to keep your Facebook feed healthy and full of positive energy?

First, stop blaming Facebook. Change your interests and "unhealthy" concerns, and Facebook will immediately change its algorithm for you.

Next, you don't necessarily have to delete Facebook (and switch to a new social network). Instead, change yourself by adjusting how you perceive, access, and use information. Think about the things that affect you.uncomfortableWhen on Facebook, eliminate those accounts. Only consume information from official pages, and only follow content that conveys positive messages. In particular, completely remove accounts that provide useless content that has no value to your life.

Ultimately, understand that Facebook is a space.virtual, but the way you use it isRealBased on how much time you spend in that space each day, you clicklikeFrom the images you see, the comments you leave and the interactions you have, to the emotions you absorb after using the service, all of these reveal something about your true self.

Facebook started as a tool, like a mirror, to reflect a person's inner life. If the image you see in the mirror isn't flattering, the important thing is to change yourself for the better, not to smash the mirror.

And, if you need a more detailed "guidebook" on how to use Facebook effectively and wisely, explore further atthis articleby Travellive.

Huyen Chau - Photo: Internet