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Exploring Ethical Frameworks: Guiding Meta's Response to Online Child Safety Concerns

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         To chart a responsible path forward, Meta should consider various ethical frameworks that offer distinct perspectives on moral decision-making. Each framework provides unique insights into how the company can address the online child safety crisis while balancing competing interests and obligations. In this analysis, we will explore three prominent ethical frameworks: Teleological (Consequentialist), Deontological (Duty), and Virtue. By examining the suggested courses of action within each framework, we aim to identify the most ethically sound approach for Meta to uphold its responsibilities and mitigate harm in digital spaces. Through thoughtful consideration of these ethical perspectives, Meta can navigate the complexities of online child safety with integrity and accountability.   Teleological (Consequentialist Framework):      From a consequentialist perspective, the course of action for Meta would focus solely on achieving ...

Exploring Perspectives on Child Safety in Social Media: Insights and Critiques

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           In recent years, the issue of child safety in social media has garnered significant attention from various stakeholders, including reporters, bloggers, and government officials. As concerns about online exploitation and abuse continue to escalate, diverse voices have emerged, offering insights and critiques on this pressing issue.        One notable commentator is Sapna Maheshwari, a reporter for The New York Times, who provided extensive coverage of the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on online child safety. Maheshwari's articles shed light on the heated exchanges between senators and tech executives, highlighting the demands for accountability and action to protect children online (Maheshwari, 2024). Maheshwari's reporting underscores the urgency of addressing systemic issues in social media platforms and holding tech companies accountable for safeguarding users, particularly children.        Another p...

Mark Zuckerberg's Apology and Meta's Ethical Dilemma: Balancing Connectivity with User Safety

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         Meta Platforms has responded to the ethical situation surrounding online safety, particularly concerning the exploitation of minors on its platforms. However, one notable instance is Mark Zuckerberg’s apology during the Senate hearing on child safety in big tech companies. Senator Josh Hawley asked Zuckerberg if he had apologized to the victims and asked if he would like to do so now. He stated “They’re here, you’re on national television. Would you like now to apologize to the victims who have been harmed by your product? Show him the pictures.” (Washington Post). Zuckerberg's full apologetic response was “I’m sorry for everything you all have been through, no one should have to go through the things that your families have suffered, and this is why we invested so much and are going to continue doing industry-leading efforts to make sure that no one has to go through the types of things that your families had to suffer”( Kelly et al., 2024) . It’...

Meta Platforms: Shaping the Digital Landscape with Ethical Responsibility

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          Meta Platforms, Inc., previously known as Facebook, Inc., is a multinational technology conglomerate headquartered in Menlo Park, California, United States. Facebook was founded in 2004 by Mark Zuckerberg, along with fellow Harvard College students Eduardo Saverin, Andrew McCollum, Dustin Moskovitz, and Chris Hughes. Facebook initially started as a social networking platform exclusively for Harvard University students. However, it rapidly expanded to other Ivy League universities before opening up to the general public in 2006. Zuckerberg and Facebook’s story was such a huge phenomenon, that there was a movie made about how it was founded. The movie was made in 2010 and named “The Social Network”.   Attached is the link to “The Social Network” trailer:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2RB3edZyeYw        Over the years, Meta evolved into one of the world’s largest and most influential social media platforms. It connect...

Navigating Ethical Dilemmas in Social Media: Meta's Apology and the Imperative for Online Safety

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      In the digital age, social media platforms have become integral parts of everyday life. They serve as the primary means through which we connect with people across the globe, fostering communication, entertainment, and self-expression. However, alongside the countless benefits of social media come significant challenges and ethical dilemmas. One such concern revolves around the safety and well-being of users, particularly children and teenagers, who comprise a significant portion of social media users. According to recent statistics from a complaint filed against Meta, the parent company of Instagram, Meta has received more than 1.1 million reports of users under the age of 13 on its Instagram platform since early 2019. In simpler terms, according to a survey conducted in the United States in 2022, 68 percent of pre-teens were using social media applications in 2022( Dixon, 2024 ). Overall, 47 percent of respondents aged 11 to 12 years were using TikTok, and 31...