Decision-making Framework
The reading highlights two potential approaches to deciding whether to accept an offer at Facebook:
1) ignoring the conflict altogether because it forces you to face a difficult reality or contradiction.
2) explicitly accepting it, and using that as a basis to make an intentional decision.
In my case, I would likely pursue the second approach, and understand both the degree of harm done by the company as well as what my proximity to it would be. Facebook is known for often prioritizing profits over user interests: monetizing user data and promoting misinformation, particularly exemplified by the Cambridge Analytica scandal in 2018. Just as sweatshops exploit workers or tobacco companies exploit consumers, Facebook arguably exploits users’ attention by designing features that maximize time on site while neglecting harmful side effects.
Understanding the Role: Scope, Proximity, & Potential for Impact
Knowing this, I would then look into what my role at Facebook would be: if my work focuses on user privacy or accessibility, I can argue that my projects would be a net positive. Being in this role would also potentially give me the space or resources needed to advocate for greater user safety protocols. Perhaps I couldn’t change Facebook’s business model or underlying practices, but I could contribute to the launch of features that help users gain greater control over their time, data, and viewpoints.
On the other hand, if my work focuses on designing algorithms to make users spend more time on the platform or increasing the frequency of targeted ads, it would increase my own complicity in the company’s unethical practices. In this case, I would examine my proximity to the harm done: my position or seniority level on the specific team, scope of my contributions, and degree of direct involvement. In this case, I would also consider whether the role will provide me with the skill sets to make a greater impact long-term. For instance, the opportunity to work with world-class engineers on significant projects with extensive resources would allow me to hone my engineering skills. Then, upon eventually leaving Facebook, I could use that skill to create my own startup that promotes digital safety, user privacy, and enhanced autonomy in the digital space, akin to companies like Block Party or Bluesky. In this case, I could argue that my net benefit to society is greater long-term by accepting the role than without it. However, this entails remaining honest with myself and ensuring I actually hold these intentions and perspective, rather than using it as rationalization for accepting the offer.
Ultimate Decision
Overall, in an economy that is almost entirely interlinked, it is difficult to engage in any activity without inadvertently promoting a company’s unethical practices. Both a user who downloads Facebook and an engineer who joins the company is promoting the company, although the scope and impact is vastly different. With these perspectives, I would decide to work at Facebook, but I would do so while knowing 1) my proximity to unethical work and 2) whether I could develop the skills to make better contributions elsewhere long-term.
