Facebook is often cast as an addictive abyss of self-congratulatory humblebrags, feather-puffing, and people desperate for validation in the form of iconized thumbs and smiley faces.
And apparently, the company’s OG president, Sean Parker, agrees.
In a searing interview with Axios, Parker — who now identifies as a “conscientious objector” of social media — questioned the morality of FB’s business model.
Among his quips:
Parker ceded that, from the onset, the company capitalized on the addictiveness of recognition and acceptance to build a loyal following.
Studies have shown that the constant social comparison on Facebook can lead to the erosion of self-esteem, and an overall decline in well-being and life satisfaction. Other research has suggested the platform makes us unhappy by increasing our feelings of envy and jealousy.
Beyond this, getting feedback on Facebook — likes, shares, comments — activates the pleasure center in our brains, and when our posts don’t generate feedback, it can invoke feelings of worthlessness.
Takeaway: be sure to enjoy the real world… like Zuck.