Checks and Balance: Face palm

The Economist Podcasts

• Episode: Checks and Balance: Face palm
• Website: The Economist Podcasts
• Feed URL: https://rss.acast.com/theeconomistallaudio
• Duration: 00:40:50
• Published: 2021-10-15 17:38

Republicans and Democrats don't agree on much, but in Facebook they’ve found a common enemy. When whistleblower Frances Haugen told a congressional hearing the company knew its products damaged the mental health of its young users, senators rushed to proclaim they would get something done. How harmful is Facebook? And will politicians take action?

The Economist’s Hal Hodson tells us we need more evidence to understand social media’s impact on wellbeing. We go back to when video games caused panic on Capitol Hill. And The Economist’s Alexandra Suich Bass explains why this scandal is politically potent. 

John Prideaux hosts with Charlotte Howard and Jon Fasman.

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