In the midst of widespread criticism of Facebook, the author expresses appreciation for the platform, highlighting how it has facilitated connections and meaningful relationships in their life. However, they acknowledge the challenges presented by the platform’s feed algorithm, which often fails to prioritize updates from desired friends and inundates users with unwanted content. When a software developer created a tool called Unfollow Everything that would allow users to selectively curate their Facebook feed, the author saw potential for a more personalized and civic-minded internet.
While there are legitimate concerns about the impact of social media on individuals and society, the author argues that broad measures proposed by Congress may stifle freedom of expression and place too much control in the hands of powerful companies. They suggest that giving users the ability to choose what they see on social media through tools like Unfollow Everything could lead to a more user-centered approach to online content consumption. However, the resistance of large social media platforms, including Facebook, to third-party tools that give users more control poses a significant barrier.
The author discusses the challenges faced by developers attempting to create tools that empower users to customize their online experience, citing instances where companies like Reddit, Twitter, and Facebook have restricted access to their data portals or threatened legal action against independent developers. Despite these obstacles, the author, in collaboration with the Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia, seeks legal clarification on the rights of users to use tools like Unfollow Everything to exert control over social media algorithms that govern their online interactions.
Influential scholars like Francis Fukuyama advocate for a competitive market for user-empowering middleware to enhance the quality of social media platforms without resorting to heavy-handed regulation. The author’s lab at the University of Massachusetts Amherst is dedicated to developing middleware that empowers users to tailor their online experiences. They argue that tools like Unfollow Everything should be protected under Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which safeguards platforms from liability but also establishes the rights of users to self-police the content they encounter online.
If the court in California rules in favor of user rights to utilize tools like Unfollow Everything, the author plans to release an updated version at no cost and conduct a study to evaluate its impact on users’ Facebook experience. By giving users more control over their online interactions, the author believes that a healthier internet ecosystem can be created, balancing the interests of powerful companies with the needs and preferences of individual users. The ultimate goal is to establish a more equitable online environment where users feel empowered and in command of their online experiences.
