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    Part One: Mark Zuckerberg: The Worst Person of the 21st Century (So Far)

    enJanuary 15, 2019

    Podcast Summary

    • Connecting through community and entertainmentBuilding strong community bonds and relying on neighbors can provide hope and support during uncertain times. Entertainment, like free-to-play casino games, offers a different kind of connection.

      Building strong community connections can bring hope and support during uncertain times. Doctor Laurie Santos introduced Neighbor to Neighbor, a California volunteers network, emphasizing the importance of relying on neighbors for social bonds and disaster preparedness. Meanwhile, Chumba Casino offers a different kind of connection, with over 100 free-to-play casino games for a chance to win prizes. Changing habits, like quitting smoking or improving dental health, can be challenging but rewarding. ZYN nicotine pouches offer a smoke-free alternative, and ProNamel toothpaste and mouthwash help repair tooth enamel. Lastly, on Behind the Bastards, Robert Evans discussed Mark Zuckerberg, considering him a notable figure of the 21st century's worst people. Despite the diverse topics, the common thread is the importance of connection - be it through community, entertainment, or personal growth.

    • Mark Zuckerberg's Astrological Signs and UpbringingMark Zuckerberg's astrological signs and upbringing offer insights into his personality, but the podcast mainly discusses his controversial moral character and Facebook's impact on society.

      Despite the negative impacts Facebook has had on society, its founder, Mark Zuckerberg, is a brilliant man for creating something so universally desired and used. The podcast acknowledges Facebook's neutrality as a tool, and the discussion focuses on Zuckerberg's personality and background. Mark Zuckerberg, born in 1984, is a Taurus with a Scorpio moon and a Virgo ascending. His parents, Edward (a dentist) and Karen (a psychiatrist), raised him in Dobbs Ferry, New York. Mark grew up comfortably, and his father taught him computer language on an Atari. The discussion delves into Zuckerberg's depiction as a robot and explores his upbringing, but the main criticism is reserved for his questionable moral character. The podcast aims to provide a balanced perspective, acknowledging both the brilliance of Facebook and the concerns about its founder.

    • Mark Zuckerberg's Early Interest in Technology and PranksMark Zuckerberg's early fascination with technology, coding, and mischief set the stage for his future success as the founder of Facebook

      Mark Zuckerberg's early interest in technology and coding, starting with building a program called Zucknet at the age of 12, played a significant role in shaping his future as the founder of Facebook. His mischievous pranks, such as creating a virus that terrified his family, hinted at his unconventional approach to life. Zuckerberg's brilliance was not solely self-taught; he also received help from a computer tutor. An intriguing hobby involved coding video games based on his artist friends' drawings. Despite his privileged background, including attending Phillips Exeter Academy, Zuckerberg's social life was not always smooth sailing. He was fascinated by fencing during his high school years. Throughout his life, Mark Zuckerberg's unique combination of talent, mischief, and determination contributed to his extraordinary achievements.

    • Mark Zuckerberg turned down big offers during college for his passionMark Zuckerberg, despite immense wealth, made decisions based on passion and commitment, not material possessions

      Mark Zuckerberg, the founder of Facebook, turned down million-dollar offers from AOL and Microsoft during his college years, not because he didn't need the money, but because it didn't matter to him. He was focused on his passion for programming and creating innovative technologies. This event became a significant part of his story, as depicted in "The Accidental Billionaires." Despite his immense wealth, Zuckerberg's decisions were not driven by greed, but rather by his commitment to his projects and his disregard for material possessions. His philanthropic efforts have been a subject of debate, with some questioning the authenticity of his charitable endeavors. Zuckerberg met his wife, Priscilla Chan, during his time at Harvard and quickly gained recognition for his talents. He preferred to be called "Zuck" and was known for his nerdy demeanor. Harvard's fraternity culture played a role in his social life and academic pursuits.

    • Harvard's FaceMash: Objectifying Women at CollegeFaceMash, a project created by Mark Zuckerberg at Harvard, allowed users to rate women's attractiveness, causing controversy and ethical concerns due to its objectification of women.

      Mark Zuckerberg's early days at Harvard were marked by the creation of various projects, some of which raised ethical concerns, such as FaceMash, which allowed users to compare and rate the attractiveness of different women on campus. This project, which gained significant attention and usage, was built using information from private Harvard Facebooks. Zuckerberg's internal monologue from the time reveals his intoxicated and callous mindset during the development of the project. The discussion also touches upon the societal pressures and the role of popularity and attractiveness in college life. While FaceMash may seem like an innocuous idea, its real purpose was to objectify women, and it sparked controversy and backlash.

    • Facebook's controversial beginningsDespite a questionable start, Facebook grew into a global social media platform, offering constant new content and rewards through games like Monopoly Go, and fostering community building through initiatives like Neighbor to Neighbor.

      Mark Zuckerberg's creation of Facebook began with questionable means, as he reportedly stole data from Harvard University to build his "creepy wank site." Despite the controversial origin, Facebook has since grown into a global social media platform. Elsewhere in the discussion, there was a promotion for the game Monopoly Go, which offers constant new content and rewards to keep players engaged. Additionally, there was a mention of Neighbor to Neighbor, a California volunteer network aimed at building stronger communities. The conversation also touched on Chumba Casino and Meaningful Beauty, a skincare brand focused on confidence at every age. Overall, the discussion showcased a range of topics, from technology and gaming to community building and self-care.

    • Zuckerberg's Naivety and ImpulsivityDespite being a genius in creating Facebook, Zuckerberg's actions sometimes lacked consideration for consequences, showcasing his naivety and impulsivity.

      Mark Zuckerberg, despite being a genius in creating Facebook, was and still is incredibly naive and impulsive in other areas of his life, as depicted in Ben Mezrich's "The Accidental Billionaires." Zuckerberg's actions, such as hacking into Harvard's computer system to create "FaceMash," show his lack of consideration for the consequences of his actions. However, he also managed to expose security flaws in the process, leading to a "rock star" moment where he was called to explain himself to Harvard's dean. This incident highlights the duality of Zuckerberg's character - a brilliant innovator who sometimes acts without thinking. The conversation also touched on the idea that people tend to overestimate their abilities in areas outside their expertise, creating a "circle jerk" of self-mythologizing.

    • Mark Zuckerberg's social awkwardness and the power dynamics of objectificationMark Zuckerberg's social awkwardness led to misunderstandings and objectification of people, highlighting the importance of recognizing and challenging such behaviors.

      Mark Zuckerberg's social awkwardness was a defense mechanism that kept people from seeing his true intentions. In the movie "The Social Network," Rashida Jones' character serves to make audiences still like Mark despite his questionable actions. The scene where the deans realize Mark isn't a bad kid stems from the fact that he didn't understand the consequences of ranking women's attractiveness. This behavior, while common, is not inherent human nature, and it's important to note that treating people as objects is not acceptable. The Winklevoss twins, who were rich and attractive, came up with an idea for a site called the Harvard Connection, which aimed to help cool guys meet girls without having to meet them in person. Their goal was to create a faster and more efficient way to meet people for sexual encounters. The Winklevosses couldn't code, but they had the resources to make their idea a reality. This anecdote highlights the power dynamics and objectification that can occur in social situations, particularly in the context of technology and dating. It's essential to recognize and challenge these behaviors to create a more inclusive and respectful society.

    • Facebook's early goal: Connecting people for social and romantic purposesFacebook began as a platform for social and romantic connections, with features like profiles, attributes, and relationship statuses reflecting this focus.

      The early days of Facebook were driven by the desire to create a platform for connecting people, specifically for social and romantic purposes. Mark Zuckerberg's vision for the site, which eventually became the global social media giant we know today, had its roots in a more explicit goal than the Harvard connection website the Winklevoss twins had initially hired him to build. The initial design of the site included features like a profile picture, lists of attributes, and a section for indicating one's relationship status and sexual interests. While the site has evolved significantly since then, it's clear that the drive to use technology to connect people for social and romantic purposes was a powerful motivator in its early days. This insight offers a fascinating look into the origins of one of the most influential technologies of our time and the human desires that fueled its creation.

    • Sean Parker's influence on Facebook's growthSean Parker's industry connections and expertise helped Facebook secure funding and grow into a billion-dollar company, despite his own questionable past.

      Mark Zuckerberg's early years and the founding of Facebook may have been filled with youthful indiscretions, but it was Sean Parker who played a pivotal role in helping Facebook grow and become a billion-dollar company. While Zuckerberg's actions during his college years may not be exceptional or shockingly misogynistic, it was Parker's influence that led Zuckerberg to drop out of Harvard and move to California, ultimately securing significant venture capital funding for Facebook. Parker's expertise and industry connections proved invaluable to the company's success, despite his own questionable past. It's important to remember that everyone, including tech industry founders, have made mistakes and acted in less than admirable ways during their youth.

    • Power and control can lead to negative outcomesAnarchist belief in few people handling power responsibly led to power struggle at Facebook, resulting in legal maneuverings and external involvement. Importance of considering potential consequences and building strong communities.

      Power and control can be destructive, whether it's in the form of a bulldozer destroying a forest for a Lord of the Rings set or a person trying to take control of a tech company. The anarchist in the discussion believed that few people are capable of handling power responsibly, and this belief was evident in the early days of Facebook when co-founder Eduardo Severin felt that he was being pushed out of the company. The consequences of this power struggle included legal maneuverings and the involvement of external actors like Peter Thiel. It's important to remember that power and control can lead to negative outcomes, and it's crucial to consider the potential consequences of our actions. Additionally, the discussion of Monopoly Go highlights the importance of community and connection, whether it's through playing a game or making real-life connections with neighbors. The Neighbor to Neighbor initiative emphasizes the importance of building strong communities to help each other in times of need.

    • The harsh reality of business partnershipsClear communication, transparency, and fairness are crucial in business partnerships to maintain trust and loyalty, as betrayals can have lasting consequences.

      Trust and loyalty can be easily betrayed in business partnerships, even among close friends. The story of Eduardo Saverin and Mark Zuckerberg serves as a reminder of this harsh reality. Saverin invested $20,000 and worked full-time on Facebook, only to be cheated out of his fair stake in the company. Despite his significant contributions, he was diluted to less than 10% ownership, and his name was deleted from the company history. Although Saverin eventually settled for a stake worth close to $5 billion, the manner in which he was treated is considered slimy and unethical. This incident highlights the importance of clear communication, transparency, and fairness in business dealings. It also underscores the significance of maintaining trust and loyalty in partnerships, as they can have long-lasting consequences.

    • Mark Zuckerberg's Betrayal of a FriendFacebook's founder made questionable decisions, betraying trust and ethical standards, costing a friend his investment.

      The founding story of Facebook involves Mark Zuckerberg making questionable decisions and betraying the trust of those around him, including friends like Paul Siglia. Siglia invested $2,000 in Facebook, but Zuckerberg lied to him about the project's progress and eventually paid him back, cutting out his stake in the business. Zuckerberg's emails to Siglia during this time reveal a pattern of regret and justification for his actions. The incident is a reminder that the pursuit of success can sometimes come at the cost of ethical behavior and respect for others. Additionally, the conversation touched upon the portrayal of controversial figures in media and the potential consequences of their actions.

    • From douchebag to darker: Mark Zuckerberg's transformation during Facebook's growthMark Zuckerberg's success led him to exhibit darker behaviors, highlighting the potential downsides of unchecked power and wealth.

      During Facebook's rapid growth in the mid-2000s, Mark Zuckerberg became increasingly influential and wealthy, but he didn't outgrow his douchebag behavior. In fact, his success led him to become something much darker. The discussion also touched upon the early history of Facebook, with its expansion from college students to a global media organization. Additionally, the hosts shared their social media handles and encouraged listeners to find them online. The episode ended with promotions for various products and services, including a podcast about friendship and a Lotte 20 millimeter anti-tank gun. Neighbor to Neighbor was also introduced as a California volunteer network aimed at building stronger communities. Overall, the conversation highlighted the interconnectedness of various aspects of modern life, from social media to community building.

    • Take a moment for yourself with Keebler Sandy'sEnjoy Keebler Sandy's cookies as a simple way to pause and savor the moment, boosting mood and energy levels

      Amidst the hustle and bustle of life, it's essential to take a moment for yourself. The Keebler Elves, through their melt-in-your-mouth Sandy's shortbread cookies, offer a simple yet delightful way to do just that. These cookies, baked with care by Ernie and the Keebler Elves, are a reminder to pause and savor the moment. So, as the week ahead looms large, don't forget to pack a Keebler Sandy's in your day. It may be a small act, but it could make a significant difference in your mood and energy levels. Take a break, enjoy the magic of the Keebler Sandy's, and let it steal a moment of joy and relaxation for you.

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    Sources:

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    https://journals.openedition.org/oceanindien/2003

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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    Sources:

    https://www.hrw.org/report/2023/02/15/thats-when-nightmare-started/uk-and-us-forced-displacement-chagossians-and

    https://archive.is/KvGqw#selection-1769.0-1781.535

    Vine, David. Island of Shame: The Secret History of the U.S. Military Base on Diego Garcia (p. 18). Princeton University Press. Kindle Edition.

    https://www.aljazeera.com/opinions/2019/2/25/how-britain-forcefully-depopulated-a-whole-archipelago/

    https://archive.org/details/webofdeceitbrita0000curt/page/432/mode/2up?q=chagos

    https://journals.openedition.org/oceanindien/2003

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    Show Notes

    We talk about Facebook’s much-discussed study of user responses to variations in their News Feed: what did Facebook do, exactly? Was it ethical? What responsibilities do users and consumers of different media (social included) have? What reponsibilities do companies have to their users?

    Chapters

    • Intro (1:08)
    • Facebook’s Social (Network) Science (1:08–12:02)
    • User Responsibility (12:02–17:46)
    • Corporate Ethics (17:46–27:00)
    • Conclusion (27:00–30:00)

    Music

    Links

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    Read a full transcript enhanced with helpful links, or watch the full video.

    Recorded November 22nd, 2019

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