Working at Meta, like many other large tech companies, comes with its own set of trade-offs. On one hand, there’s the prestige and stability that comes from being part of a company that not only shapes the tech industry but also has a significant impact on the national and global economy. On the other hand, Meta’s track record includes a number of ethical concerns that are difficult to overlook. These range from issues like the role of unethical cobalt mining in the production of their hardware to the growing evidence linking their social media platforms, such as Facebook and Instagram, to increased rates of teen depression.
That said, I would still consider working for Meta, and I have several reasons for this.
First, I’m fully aware of the ethical challenges associated with the company. I wouldn’t be deceiving myself or trying to justify these issues if I accepted a position there. Rather, I would approach my time at Meta with open eyes, aiming to maximize the opportunities it provides, such as competitive compensation and access to unparalleled resources. In line with the philosophy discussed in the article Working for Ethically Complicated Organizations, sometimes “your best option may be to do whatever’s necessary to build the strongest résumé possible.” By gaining experience and skills at a company like Meta, I would position myself for future roles, potentially at organizations with more ethical practices. I see Meta as a stepping stone—a place where I can learn, grow, and prepare for the next stage of my career, without pretending that the company’s moral shortcomings don’t exist.
Of course, my willingness to work at Meta would also depend on the role I am offered. If my responsibilities are far removed from the ethical issues I find troubling, and the “stink” does not reach my office, it would be easier to justify my decision to work there. In short, I would consider the broader impact of my specific position and how closely it aligns with my values.
