Facebook pushes users into seeing more provocative, negative content

Facebook pushed users into seeing more emotional, provocative and negative content in order to deepen engagement and drive more revenue, according to leaked internal documents. 

Between 2017 and 2020, an update to Facebook's 'Meaningful Social Interactions' (MSI) algorithm saw the weighting of angry emoji substantially increased.

The update was made despite Facebook researchers having warned senior leadership at the company, including CEO Mark Zuckerberg, that it would likely lead to higher levels of spam, misinformation and disinformation, and abuse.

The update also had the effect of undermining efforts by the company's content moderators and integrity teams to manage toxic and harmful content.

The leaked documents were shared with the SEC and the US Congress by whistleblower Frances Haugen. 

Speaking in the UK parliament, Haugen argued 'anger and hate is the easiest way to grow on Facebook.'