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Meta’s Nick Clegg on how AI is reshaping the feed


Image of Meta’s wordmark on a red background.
Illustration: Nick Barclay / The Verge

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Last July, as the Instagram feed began to fill up with recommended posts, the company was thrown briefly into crisis. The once-familiar landscape of friends, family, and influencers you had chosen to follow had begun to be replaced by algorithmic guesses. “Make Instagram Instagram again,” opined Kylie Jenner. Many viral tweets followed in the same vein.

“When you discover something in your feed that you didn’t follow before, there should be a high bar — it should just be great,” Instagram chief Adam Mosseri told me at the time. “You should be delighted to see it. And I don’t think that’s happening enough right now. So I think we need to take a step back, in terms of the percentage of feed that are recommendations, get better at ranking and recommendations, and then — if and when we do — we can start to grow again.”

Mosseri told me he was confident Instagram would get there. And indeed, as I scroll through the app today, what the company calls “unconnected content” — posts from people you don’t follow — has once again roared to the forefront. After I watched a few Reels from one popular comedian that a friend had sent me, my Instagram feed quickly filled up with the Reels of his I hadn’t watched yet.

As a longtime Instagram user, I still find all this somewhat jarring. But while recommendations are more prevalent than ever in the app, there’s no hint of the uproar that consumed Instagram last summer. In part that’s because the recommendations really are better than they were a year ago; in part that’s because the trend that precipitated all this — increasing consumer demand for short-form video — continues to accelerate.

Also, of course, it’s in part that eventually changes like these just wear us down. What once felt weird and bad now feels, through sheer force of repetition, mostly normal.

But while the transition away from Facebook’s old friends and family-dominated feeds to Meta’s algorithmic wonderland seems to be proceeding mostly without incident, the move has given the company a new policy and communications challenge. If you’re going to recommend posts for people to look at, you have to know why you’re making those recommendations.

Without a thorough understanding of how the company’s many interconnected systems are promoting content, you can wind up promoting all sorts of harms. And even if you don’t, an app’s users will have a lot of questions about what they’re seeing. What exactly do you know about them — or think you know about them? Why are they seeing this instead of that?

To some extent, of course, that’s not a new problem. Facebook and Twitter have long faced questions over why they promoted posts from some users and not others. But in a world where users were choosing what to follow, the questions essentially boiled down to what order the company’s ranking systems placed posts in. Now that the posts in your feed can come from anywhere, it all gets much more confusing.

“One of the biggest problems we have is because that interaction is invisible to the naked eye, it’s pretty difficult to explain to the layperson,” Nick Clegg, Meta’s president of global affairs, told me in an interview. “Of course, what fills that vacuum is the worst fears and the worst suspicions.”

That leads us to Meta’s move this week to publish 22 “system cards” outlining why you’re seeing what you’re seeing in the company’s feeds. Written to be accessible to a lay person, the cards explain how Meta sources photos and videos to show you, names some of the signals it uses to make predictions, and describes how it ranks posts in the feed from there.

In addition to publishing the cards, which most users probably won’t see, the company is bringing its “Why am I seeing this?” feature to Reels on Facebook and Instagram’s explore page. The idea is to give individual users the sense that they are the ones shaping their experiences on these apps, creating them indirectly through what they like, share, and comment on. If works, it could reduce the anxiety people have about Meta’s role in shaping their feeds.

“I think if we could dispel some of the mythology around that, it would be a very significant step forward,” Clegg said.

Of course, that depends in part on how the information in these system cards is received. While little in them seems likely to surprise anyone who has spent much time on social media, seeing it all in black and white could fuel new critiques of Meta. Particularly If you’re the sort of person who worries that social apps are engineered to be addictive.

Reading the card for Instagram’s feed, for example, the signals Meta takes into account when deciding what to show you include “How likely you are to spend more than 15 seconds in this session,” “How long you are predicted to spend viewing the next two posts that appear after the one you are currently viewing,” and “How long you are predicted to spend viewing content in your feed below what is displayed in the top position.”

The system cards, in other words, lay out how Meta works to get you to use their apps for long periods of time. To the extent that this dispels any mythology about the company, I wonder how useful it is to Meta.

Clegg told me that ranking content based on likely engagement isn’t much different from newspapers or book authors choosing stories that readers will likely enjoy. “I know that for some people ‘engagement’ is a dirty word,” he said. “I think it’s actually a lot more nuanced than that.”

Meta also uses “slower time signals,” he said, measuring people’s satisfaction with the app overall rather than just individual posts, and it regularly surveys users about their feelings. That all gets fed back into the product design too, he said.

“I don’t think it’s fair to say that all we’re trying to do is just to keep people doomscrolling forever,” he said. “We have no incentive — you’re just simply not going to retain people over time if that’s what you’re trying to solve for. And these system cards, by the way, would look quite different if that’s what we were trying to solve for.”

Potentially even more useful is another new feature the company is testing, which will let users mark that they are “interested” in a Reel that the company showed them — essentially, giving an explicit endorsement to a recommended video. As the rare person who feels like the TikTok feed has never quite figured out what I really want to see there, I’m interested to see whether asking people for feedback like this more directly will lead to better feeds.

Speaking of TikTok, that company took its own crack at transparency by opening its algorithmic transparency centers, which are designed to offer visitors an in-person look at systems that are quite similar in many ways that the ones that Meta is describing with its new system cards. And given the difficult position TikTok is in with the US government, it’s fair to ask how much goodwill companies can actually generate with efforts like these.

One possibility is that publishing detailed explanations of ranking systems does buy goodwill, but ultimately couldn’t address questions about potential interference from the Chinese government. For all its own issues, that’s one problem that Meta, as an American company, doesn’t have.

The other possibility, though, is that transparency represents an effort to solve the wrong problem. In this view, it’s not that we don’t understand the contents of our feeds — it’s that we mostly know how these systems work, and we don’t like it.

On balance, though, I’ll take transparency every time, if only because it’s difficult to build a better future when you barely understand the present. And on that front, I was heartened to see that Meta is expanding the work it’s doing with academic researchers. The company also announced this week that it’s making a library of public posts, pages, groups, and events on Facebook available to qualified research institutions through an application process. The company says doing this will help it meet its obligations under Europe’s new Digital Services Act — one of the first concrete benefits we can expect to see from that law.

“Generally speaking, we believe that as these technologies are developed, companies should be more open about how their systems work and collaborate openly across industry, government and civil society to help ensure they are developed responsibly,” Clegg wrote in his blog post today. And for once, Meta had adopted a position that almost no one could disagree with.

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How Children’s Online Sharing Can Put Their Privacy at Risk

Children often underestimate the risks of online sharing, potentially compromising their privacy. Personal details, like location or school, can lead to

Children often underestimate the risks of online sharing, which can compromise their privacy. When you post personal details like your location, school, or even pictures, you expose yourself to unwanted attention and potential cyberbullying. Every action online contributes to your digital footprint, making it easier for others to track your habits and routines. Once something is shared, it’s nearly impossible to erase. To protect your privacy, consider who your audience is and set clear boundaries on what to share. Understanding these risks is crucial, and exploring further can provide you with tools to navigate your digital environment safely.

Understanding Online Oversharing

Many parents may not realize how easily kids can overshare online.

Children often don’t recognize the potential risks associated with posting personal information. They might post their location, school name, or even pictures that reveal too much. This kind of sharing can lead to unwanted attention or even cyberbullying.

It’s essential to have open conversations about privacy and the importance of thinking before they click "share." Encourage your kids to ask themselves if they’d be comfortable sharing the same information with a stranger.

Setting boundaries around what’s acceptable to post can help them understand the implications of their digital actions.

The Digital Footprint Explained

Understanding your digital footprint is essential in today’s online world. Every time you share a photo, comment, or like a post, you leave traces of your online activity.

This digital footprint can reveal a lot about you, including your interests, habits, and even your location. It’s important to keep in mind that once you post something online, it can be challenging to remove it completely.

Think about the information you share before hitting "post." Consider using privacy settings on social media platforms to control who sees your content.

Regularly review your online presence, and be mindful of the details you share. By being aware of your digital footprint, you can better protect your privacy and make informed choices about your online sharing.

Privacy Risks Associated With Oversharing

Oversharing personal information online can lead to significant privacy risks. When you post too much about yourself, you expose sensitive details that can be exploited by others.

For instance, sharing your location or daily routine makes it easier for strangers to track you. Additionally, revealing personal information, like your school or favorite hangout spots, can attract unwanted attention or even cyberbullying.

It’s essential to keep in mind that once something’s online, it’s nearly impossible to remove it entirely. To protect your privacy, think before you share. Ask yourself if the information is necessary and who might see it.

Impact on Mental Health

The constant pressure to share online can take a toll on children’s mental health. When kids feel they must constantly curate their online presence, it can lead to anxiety and stress. They might worry about how many likes or comments their posts receive, creating a sense of inadequacy.

  • The fear of missing out (FOMO) can intensify feelings of loneliness.
  • Comparisons with peers can lead to low self-esteem.
  • Cyberbullying may exacerbate existing mental health issues.

Encouraging children to take breaks from social media can help alleviate some of these pressures.

It’s also essential to remind them that their worth isn’t determined by online validation.

Fostering open conversations about their online experiences can better support their mental well-being.

Parental Guidance and Monitoring

Traversing the digital landscape can be overwhelming for both children and parents, making effective parental guidance and monitoring essential.

Start by establishing open communication with your child about their online activities. Encourage them to share their experiences, and discuss the importance of privacy. Set clear rules regarding what they can share and with whom.

Use parental control tools to monitor their online presence without being intrusive. Regularly review their social media settings together, emphasizing the significance of keeping personal information private.

Teach them about the risks of oversharing and remind them that once something’s online, it can be difficult to erase. Your involvement can help create a safer online environment, allowing your child to investigate while protecting their privacy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are Common Platforms for Children’s Online Sharing?

You’ll find common platforms for kids’ online sharing include social media sites like Instagram and TikTok, gaming networks like Roblox, and messaging apps like Snapchat. Each offers unique ways for children to connect and share content.

How Can Children Be Educated About Privacy Risks?

Imagine a treasure chest filled with secrets; you can teach kids to protect it. Use engaging stories, interactive lessons, and real-life examples to help them understand privacy risks and the importance of safeguarding their personal information.

Are There Age Restrictions for Social Media Accounts?

Yes, most social media platforms have age restrictions, typically requiring users to be at least 13 years old. It’s important you check the specific guidelines of each platform to guarantee compliance and safety for young users.

What Tools Help Monitor Children’s Online Activity?

To monitor your child’s online activity, consider using parental control apps like Bark or Qustodio. These tools track usage, filter content, and send alerts, helping you guarantee their online experience remains safe and appropriate.

How Can Parents Start Conversations About Online Privacy?

Imagine discovering something alarming about your child’s online activity. To prevent that, start conversations by asking open-ended questions about their experiences online, sharing your own stories, and emphasizing the importance of privacy in today’s digital world.

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Finding Kid-Friendly Websites: A Simple Guide for Parents

Parents face a digital dilemma in safeguarding their children online, where risks like inappropriate content and cyberbullying lurk. Evaluating websites for

Finding safe, kid-friendly websites starts with understanding the potential online risks, like inappropriate content or cyberbullying. Evaluate sites based on content quality and age-appropriateness, ensuring they promote educational or entertaining material. Use resources like Common Sense Media for reviews and PBS Kids for engaging activities. Establish guidelines around acceptable online behavior and utilize parental controls to filter content. Regularly check your child’s browsing history to stay informed about their online interests. Additionally, encourage your kids to think critically about the information they find online. You’ll discover plenty of effective strategies to navigate the digital landscape safely.

Article Summary

Understanding Online Risks

The internet can feel like a vast playground, but it also comes with its share of hidden dangers. You mightn’t realize that while exploring, your child could encounter inappropriate content or cyberbullying.

It’s vital to understand that not every website is safe. Some platforms may expose young users to harmful interactions or misleading information.

Also, privacy is a significant concern; personal data can be collected without you knowing. Encourage your child to think critically about what they share online and who they interact with.

Setting clear rules about internet usage can also help. By being proactive and educating your child about these risks, you empower them to navigate the digital world more safely and enjoyably.

Criteria for Evaluating Safety

When evaluating a website’s safety, start by checking for clear indicators like age-appropriate content and user-friendly navigation. You want to verify that your child can investigate the site without stumbling upon anything inappropriate.

Here are some key criteria to take into account:

  1. Content Quality: Look for educational or entertaining material that aligns with your child’s age and interests.
  2. Privacy Policies: Check if the site has a clear privacy policy that explains how it handles personal information.
  3. Advertisements: Be cautious of sites overloaded with ads, especially those that might mislead children.
  4. User Reviews: Look for feedback from other parents or users to gauge the site’s overall reputation.

Finding safe and engaging online spaces for your kids can be a challenge, but several resources can help you make informed decisions.

Websites like Common Sense Media offer detailed reviews of apps, games, and websites, providing age ratings and content descriptions. Another great resource is the American Academy of Pediatrics, which shares guidelines on screen time and suitable online content.

You might also investigate PBS Kids, known for its educational games and videos tailored for children.

Consider utilizing parental control tools, like Norton Family or Qustodio, to filter content and track online activity.

Tips for Monitoring Activity

Monitoring your child’s online activity is essential for ensuring their safety and promoting healthy digital habits. Here are some practical tips to help you stay engaged:

  1. Set Clear Guidelines: Establish rules about which websites are acceptable and what online behavior is expected.
  2. Use Parental Controls: Take advantage of parental control tools available on most devices and browsers to filter inappropriate content.
  3. Check Browsing History Regularly: Periodically review your child’s browsing history to gain insight into their online interests and activities.
  4. Encourage Open Communication: Foster a relationship where your child feels comfortable discussing their online experiences, so they know they can come to you with concerns.

Encouraging Critical Thinking Skills

Encouraging your child to think critically about the information they encounter online is essential for their development and safety.

Start by discussing the importance of questioning what they read. Ask them to reflect on the author’s purpose and whether the information is credible. Engage in conversations about different viewpoints on a topic, helping them understand that not everything online is true.

Encourage them to look for evidence and reliable sources before forming opinions. You can also provide examples of misinformation and discuss how it can spread.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Age Group Is Each Kid-Friendly Website Designed For?

When exploring kid-friendly websites, you’ll find that each site targets specific age groups. Generally, younger kids enjoy colorful, interactive content, while older children prefer more complex material that encourages learning and critical thinking.

How Can I Teach My Child Internet Etiquette?

You can teach your child internet etiquette by discussing respectful communication, the importance of privacy, and recognizing online safety. Encourage them to think before posting and remind them that their digital footprint lasts forever.

Are There Any Kid-Friendly Websites Without Ads?

Yes, there are several kid-friendly websites without ads. You can investigate sites like National Geographic Kids, PBS Kids, and ABCmouse. They offer fun, educational content while ensuring a safe browsing experience for your child.

Can I Limit Screen Time on These Websites?

Think of a wise owl guarding the forest; you can certainly limit screen time on those websites! Set timers, use parental controls, or establish rules to guarantee your kids enjoy balanced digital experiences without going overboard.

How Do I Report Inappropriate Content on a Kid-Friendly Site?

To report inappropriate content on a kid-friendly site, look for a "Report" button or link, usually found near the content. Click it, follow the prompts, and provide details about the issue for a quicker response.

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Essential Tips for Keeping Kids Safe Online and Protecting Their Privacy

To safeguard children’s online privacy, it’s crucial to understand the risks they encounter, such as cyberbullying and exposure to online predators. Parents

Essential Tips for Keeping Kids Safe Online and Protecting Their Privacy

To keep kids safe online and protect their privacy, start by understanding the risks they face. Educate them about cyberbullying, online predators, and the importance of not sharing personal information. Set up privacy settings on social media to limit visibility, and encourage strong, unique passwords. Talk openly about their online experiences to build trust and monitor their activity without invading their space. Choose age-appropriate platforms that have strong privacy features and moderation. By fostering awareness and communication, you empower kids to navigate the digital world responsibly. There’s much more to investigate regarding safety and privacy strategies.

Article Summary

Understanding Online Risks

In terms of kids maneuvering the online world, many parents worry about the potential risks they might encounter. One major concern is cyberbullying, which can happen through social media or messaging apps.

It’s vital to stay aware of your child’s interactions online, as this can help you identify any troubling behavior. Additionally, there’s the risk of encountering inappropriate content. Kids may stumble upon harmful sites or videos that aren’t suitable for their age.

You should encourage open communication, so your child feels comfortable discussing anything they find unsettling. Finally, online predators are a significant threat, making it essential to teach your kids about sharing personal information.

Understanding these risks empowers you to take proactive steps to keep your child safe online.

Setting Up Privacy Settings

Before your child plunges into the online world, setting up privacy settings on their accounts is essential.

Start by reviewing the privacy options available on popular platforms. Most social networks allow you to limit who can see their posts, send messages, or follow them. Adjust these settings to guarantee only friends and family have access.

Don’t forget to disable location sharing, as this can reveal personal information. Encourage your child to use strong, unique passwords for each account and enable two-factor authentication whenever possible.

Regularly check and update these settings, especially after platform updates, as privacy policies can change.

Educating Kids on Responsible Sharing

Setting up privacy settings is just the first step in keeping kids safe online; educating them about responsible sharing is just as essential.

It’s important to guide them on what’s appropriate to share. Start by discussing these key points:

  1. Personal Information: Explain why they shouldn’t share details like their address, phone number, or school.
  2. Photos and Videos: Talk about the implications of sharing images and the need for consent from others.
  3. Location Sharing: Emphasize the risks of broadcasting their whereabouts in real-time.
  4. Think Before You Post: Encourage them to reflect on how their posts might affect themselves or others.

Monitoring Social Media Activity

Monitoring social media activity is essential for ensuring your child’s online safety. By keeping an eye on their interactions, you can identify any potential risks, such as cyberbullying or inappropriate content.

Start by discussing your concerns with your child, emphasizing the importance of transparency and trust. Use parental controls and privacy settings to help safeguard their accounts, but balance this with open communication.

Encourage them to share their online experiences with you regularly, making it easier for them to approach you if they encounter something troubling. Knowing whom they’re communicating with and what they’re sharing can significantly reduce risks.

Choosing Age-Appropriate Platforms

In terms of selecting age-appropriate platforms for your child, it’s essential to weigh their interests against safety features. Not all platforms are designed with kids in mind, so careful consideration is vital.

Here are some tips to guide your decision:

  1. Age Ratings: Check the platform’s age recommendations to guarantee it aligns with your child’s maturity level.
  2. Privacy Settings: Look for platforms with strong privacy controls that allow you to manage who can see your child’s information.
  3. Content Moderation: Choose platforms that actively moderate content to protect against inappropriate material.
  4. Parental Controls: Opt for platforms that offer robust parental controls, enabling you to monitor and restrict usage as necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Can I Teach Kids About Online Scams Effectively?

Did you know that 70% of kids encounter online scams? To teach them effectively, use real examples, encourage questions, and role-play scenarios. This way, they’ll recognize red flags and stay alert while browsing.

What Should I Do if My Child Encounters Cyberbullying?

If your child encounters cyberbullying, encourage them to talk to you immediately. Help them document everything, block the bully, and report the behavior to the platform. Your support is essential in managing this tough situation.

Are There Specific Apps for Monitoring Online Activity?

Yes, there are several apps designed for monitoring online activity. You can use parental control apps like Qustodio, Norton Family, or Bark to track your child’s usage, ensuring a safer online experience for them.

How Often Should I Review My Child’s Online Privacy Settings?

You should review your child’s online privacy settings regularly, ideally every few months. Changes happen frequently, and staying updated guarantees their information remains secure. Don’t forget to discuss any new features or risks with them, too.

What Are the Signs That My Child Is Unsafe Online?

If your child seems secretive about their online activities, avoids discussing friends or websites, or shows sudden changes in mood, these could be signs they’re feeling unsafe. Trust your instincts and engage in open conversations.

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