From Slate Magazine · Ellin Stein · · 2m
The Social Reckoning: Facebook's True Story
A new film reveals Mark Zuckerberg's rise as a tech mogul and Frances Haugen's whistleblower journey.
In brief
A new film reveals Mark Zuckerberg's rise as a tech mogul and Frances Haugen's whistleblower journey. The Social Reckoning shows how Facebook's founder evolved into a powerful media figure while Frances Haugen became a whistleblower after witnessing harmful impacts of the platform. Originally reported by Slate…
The Social Reckoning
Aaron Sorkin writes a sequel to The Social Network, showing Mark Zuckerberg's evolution into a modern media mogul.
“The Social Reckoning”
Mark Zuckerberg's Final Form
Zuckerberg is portrayed as a ruthless figure focused on maintaining Facebook's stock value despite societal costs.
“ruthless, focused, and ready to throw his co-founder and only friend under the bus in pursuit of power”
Jeff Horwitz as Guide
Jeff Horwitz, a Wall Street Journal reporter, acts as the journalist guiding viewers into Zuckerberg's world.
“the Wall Street Journal’s Jeff Horwitz (Jeremy Allen White)”
Frances Haugen's Journey
Frances Haugen, a data scientist, transitions from Facebook believer to whistleblower after seeing harm.
“an introverted data scientist who journeys from being a true believer in Facebook’s potential”
Haugen's Motivation
Haugen is motivated by concerns over Facebook's impact on societies in the global south and civil unrest.
“She told me she believed Facebook was corrosive to civil society, it sort of tore down trust”
Haugen's Tech Background
Haugen is a Harvard MBA with experience at Google, Yelp, and Pinterest, not a shy introvert.
“There are probably 200 people in the industry who understand how algorithmic consumer products work as well as I do”
Haugen's Whistleblowing Process
Haugen and Horwitz communicate securely, avoiding public meetings to protect her from legal risks.
“they agreed to communicate securely at that first meeting”
Haugen's Friend Radicalized
Haugen witnessed a friend radicalized by Facebook's algorithm, leading to her investigation into misinformation.
“a former friend of hers, who, she tells Jeff, used to be all peace and love”
Instagram's Impact on Girls
Haugen investigated Instagram's effect on girls' mental health after overhearing a conversation about bullying.
“a young teenage girl is telling her parents how miserable she is because she’s being bullied and body-shamed on Instagram”
Haugen Moves to Puerto Rico
Haugen moves to Puerto Rico to escape COVID and work on Facebook files, aided by blockchain investments.
“She spends her time dining alone, drinking daiquiris, and photographing images of Facebook documents”
The Social Reckoning's Accuracy
The film takes creative liberties with Horwitz's tech knowledge and Haugen's social skills.
“He told me that he thought he’d need to change some chronology and details to make the story he had in mind work”
Haugen's Real Motivations
Haugen's primary focus is Facebook's impact on civil society in the global south, not individual cases.
“She told me she believed Facebook was corrosive to civil society, it sort of tore down trust”
Haugen's Security Concerns
Haugen prioritizes security over public meetings, using encrypted communication from the start.
“she emphasized security concerns from the start, and they agreed to communicate securely at that first meeting”
Haugen's Tech Expertise
Haugen has deep technical knowledge, working at Google and Pinterest before becoming a whistleblower.
“There are probably 200 people in the industry who understand how algorithmic consumer products work as well as I do”
The Social Reckoning's Legacy
The film highlights Facebook's role in spreading misinformation and its impact on global civil society.
“She told me she believed Facebook was corrosive to civil society, it sort of tore down trust”
The takeaway
The Social Reckoning shows how Facebook's founder evolved into a powerful media figure while Frances Haugen became a whistleblower after witnessing harmful impacts of the platform.
