[rotskoff]

The article concludes that it is acceptable to stay on Facebook, but I take issue with its approach.

Underlying the logic is a premise: that because Facebook is used by some to spread propaganda and promote hate, it is (at least in part) to blame for the illiberal trajectory of some Western democracies. For many, it is more simplistic: there is a belief that Facebook is to blame for our election outcome. Of course, it is extremely difficult to know how much "to blame" Facebook as opposed to traditional media, and conclusive facts will be impossible to obtain. Both lines of reasoning, it should be noted, neglect the possibility that the election was determined by the will of people under a non-democratic system via the electoral college.

To me, the question is whether or not Facebook is a unique actor in this capacity. Does Facebook do something substantially different from other social media platforms or content providers that particularly undermines democratic values? I don't believe it does: Twitter spreads conspiracy theories, Snapchat is used for bullying and harassment, Google has comparable troves of data for sale to advertisers. While it has certainly had some public relations snafus, on the whole, as a platform it isn't that unique.