Better Offline – Episode: "Facebook Was Already Zucked"
Release Date: January 22, 2025

Hosted by Ed Zitt, Better Offline delves deep into the tech industry's pervasive influence on society. In the episode titled "Facebook Was Already Zucked," Zitt provides a scathing critique of Meta Platforms Inc. (formerly Facebook), examining the company's policies, internal dynamics, and the broader societal implications of its unchecked growth.

1. Introduction and Context

Ed Zitt opens the episode by acknowledging a tumultuous week, urging listeners to practice kindness and support, especially towards the transgender community. He transitions into discussing his recent experience at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) and outlines the episode's focus on Meta's detrimental policies and practices.

Quote:
"[...] specifically to my trans listeners. I love you. You're loved and accepted. Fuck these people. Fuck the executive order."
— Ed Zitt [02:48]

2. Meta's Dismantling of Fact-Checking and Diversity Programs

Zitt criticizes Meta's decision to terminate its fact-checking initiatives, citing a January announcement where the company claimed that fact-checkers were "too politically biased." He references a study from George Washington University indicating that truthful information often became less visible, facilitating the spread of anti-vaccine content.

Quote:
"Meta has also killed its diversity, equity and inclusion programs, something that I expect other tech firms to copy, unrestrained by any kind of societal norms."
— Ed Zitt [08:35]

3. Mark Zuckerberg's Shift Towards Aggressive Corporate Culture

Highlighting Zuckerberg's appearance on the Joe Rogan Experience, Zitt portrays the tech mogul as advocating for a more "masculine" and aggressive corporate environment. Zitt interprets Zuckerberg's stance as a rejection of progressive values, emphasizing strength over empathy.

Quote:
"Zuckerberg also believes that the modern corporate culture has somehow framed masculinity as bad, something that he doesn't really attempt to elaborate on."
— Ed Zitt [11:20]

4. The True Metas and Algorithmic Bias

Zitt delves into how Meta's algorithms have historically favored conservative content, referencing Kevin Roose's work with CrowdTangle. He accuses Meta of deliberately promoting right-leaning influencers and outlets to maximize engagement, undermining the platform's integrity.

Quote:
"Meta's top performing links regularly skewed toward right-wing influencers like Dan Bongino, Ben Shapiro, and Sean Hannity."
— Ed Zitt [14:19]

5. The Decline of Facebook as a Safe and Reliable Platform

Analyzing Facebook's transformation, Zitt describes it as a "rot economy," prioritizing growth over user safety and product quality. He enumerates the prevalence of scam groups, fake accounts, and the platform's unmoderated state, painting a picture of a digital ecosystem rife with deception and hostility.

Quote:
"Facebook has become a kind of open sewer run with a complete disregard for the user."
— Ed Zitt [30:33]

6. Meta's Monetization at the Expense of User Experience

Zitt critiques Meta's relentless pursuit of revenue through aggressive advertising and algorithmic manipulation. He argues that the platform's design intentionally frustrates users, prompting prolonged engagement that benefits Meta financially but degrades user satisfaction.

Quote:
"The longer a user interacts with the site, the more advertising impressions they're shown and in turn they then make more money for Facebook and Meta, even if there's not really a service being provided."
— Ed Zitt [29:45]

7. Meta Verification and Monetized Support Services

Introducing Meta's "Meta Verification" feature, Zitt condemns the shift towards paid support services. He deems it a "kleptocracy," where genuine assistance is commodified, further marginalizing users who cannot afford such services.

Quote:
"Now, that's an insanely large amount of money for a service that is decaying and being decayed by a lack of responsibility and stewardship from the fucking Burke who runs it."
— Ed Zitt [32:36]

8. The Unaccountable Power of Mark Zuckerberg

Zitt accentuates Zuckerberg's impunity, highlighting his astronomical net worth and the lack of accountability mechanisms within Meta. He underscores the disconnect between Meta's internal policies and the adverse effects on marginalized communities.

Quote:
"Mark Zuckerberg is a repressed coward, as far from manly as one can get."
— Ed Zitt [28:50]

9. The Media's Complicity and Lack of Accountability

Closing the episode, Zitt lambastes the media for its leniency towards Meta, suggesting a systemic failure to hold the tech giant accountable. He calls for more rigorous journalism to expose and challenge Meta's harmful practices.

Quote:
"It's time for everyone in the media to take a little bit of fucking responsibility for what we've done."
— Ed Zitt [25:10]

10. Conclusion and Call to Action

Zitt concludes by reiterating the importance of personal connections and kindness in an increasingly dark digital landscape. He emphasizes that while systemic issues with Meta are profound, individual actions towards fostering love and support remain vital.

Quote:
"Big theme of CES was love and companionship and solidarity with your fellow human beings. [...] Show more love to everything and put more love into everything you do."
— Ed Zitt [33:07]

Key Takeaways:

1. Meta's Policy Regression: The company's rollback of fact-checking and diversity initiatives signifies a retreat from accountability and inclusivity.
2. Algorithmic Bias: Meta's algorithms have systematically favored conservative content, skewing public discourse and exacerbating societal divisions.
3. Platform Degradation: Facebook has devolved into a breeding ground for scams, misinformation, and harassment, prioritizing profit over user welfare.
4. Unchallenged Leadership: Mark Zuckerberg's immense wealth and influence shield him from accountability, allowing Meta's detrimental practices to flourish.
5. Media Complicity: The media's failure to rigorously scrutinize Meta perpetuates the company's harmful trajectory.
6. Personal Responsibility: Despite systemic issues, fostering personal connections and kindness remains essential in combating the pervasive negative influence of tech giants.

Notable Quotes:

• "Meta has also killed its diversity, equity and inclusion programs, something that I expect other tech firms to copy." — Ed Zitt [08:35]
• "Mark Zuckerberg is a repressed coward, as far from manly as one can get." — Ed Zitt [28:50]
• "Facebook has become a kind of open sewer run with a complete disregard for the user." — Ed Zitt [30:33]
• "It's time for everyone in the media to take a little bit of fucking responsibility for what we've done." — Ed Zitt [25:10]

Better Offline continues to challenge listeners to critically assess the technological forces shaping our society, advocating for transparency, accountability, and human-centric values in the tech industry.