I have never asked myself if I would take a job at Facebook because I always knew the answer. I grew up with Facebook as my first social media in high school and later used WhatsApp and Instagram. As a user of their products, I already feel conflicted. Given all the updates on data privacy over the last years made me lose all trust in the company. I would not work for a company that actively chooses to neglect consumer rights as part of their mission. I would not work for a company that actively monetizes our private information and personal data.
Chapter 5.2 on “Working for Ethically Complicated Organizations” introduces the strategy of ignoring the unethical within the company. In the case of Facebook most of their products are targeted towards addiction and using one’s personal data and thus no job at Facebook would be removed enough from their products that I would be able to accept an offer with good conscience.
With the launch of the Metaverse a change in image was attempted. On their website it says: “From immersive education and training to new possibilities in healthcare and the workplace, and much more, we are excited about the positive benefits the metaverse will bring.” I am personally very interested in Interaction Design in AR and VR and would love to work on new immersive technologies especially in healthcare. Would I take a job as a AR/VR Designer at Facebook? The answer is still no. Would I trust them with my medical data? No. Would I trust them with my education? No. Even the most expensive rebranding strategy cannot undo the lack of trust in Facebook that has built up over the past years.
