Political power Quote by Franklin Foer
““Of course, this is not an innocent activity—even though the tech companies disavow any responsibility for the material they publish and promote. They plead that they are mere platforms, neutral utilities for everyone’s use and everyone’s benefit. When Facebook was assailed for abetting the onslaught of false news stories during the 2016 presidential campaign—a steady stream of fabricated right-wing conspiracies that boosted Donald Trump’s candidacy—Mark Zuckerberg initially disclaimed any culpability. “Our goal is to give every person a voice,” he posted on Facebook, washing his hands of the matter. It’s galling to watch Zuckerberg walk away from the catastrophic collapse of the news business and the degradation of American civic culture, because his site has played such a seminal role in both. Though Zuckerberg denies it, the process of guiding the public to information is a source of tremendous cultural and political power. In the olden days, we described that power as gatekeeping—and it was a sacred obligation.””
About This Quote
Source Article: “The New Gatekeepers” in The Atlantic, 2018
Tech platforms claim neutrality but wield massive influence over information flow, effectively acting as modern gatekeepers.
In simple terms: Tech companies say they’re neutral but control what people see.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and address the power of platforms over public discourse.
Themes
media influence
responsibility
technology
politics
information
Mood
critical
concerned
analytical
Type
opinion
analytical
cautionary
When to use this quote
- Regulation
- media literacy
- corporate accountability
- public debate
Key Concepts
Gatekeeping
platform power
censorship
public sphere
Questions to Reflect On
- Who should be responsible for curating online content?
- How can platforms be held accountable without stifling innovation?
A Different Perspective
Balancing free speech with preventing misinformation is complex.
