Facebook stands at the top of the social media world, but the multibillion-dollar company won’t likely free itself of technical glitches. Like any other online platform, problems do arise. Recently, the social network’s artificial intelligence software programs classified virtually everything related to the coronavirus as spam. So, many posts mysteriously disappeared. Not so mysteriously, the posts returned with an explanation for their disappearance.
Why was the software program initially activated? According to The Verge, the social media giant did not want to participate in the spreading of any false or inaccurate information about such a serious matter. Unfortunately, conspiracy theories are floating around that have no basis. Such inaccurate reports could contribute to panic or worse. The software program automatically scans anything that notes links or commentary about the coronavirus. The bug prevented it from distinguishing between accurate and false information.
The bug issue created another immediate problem. Legitimate news about the coronavirus, along with helpful links to news articles, went invisible. That led to some concerns about how the mistake could happen and, more importantly, why it happened. Eventually, the mundane answer came forth.
Other mitigating factors beyond the bug may have played a role. Facebook recently sent 45,000 workers home due to concerns about the coronavirus. In a gesture of caring consideration to its workers, the corporation did provide them with some monetary payments. Unfortunately, privacy issues prevent Facebook from allowing many employees to work from home. Therefore, there were far fewer people moderating the software checker. Once the software program started to run afoul of designated parameters, no one could correct the situation. So, quite a few people ended up upset.
And rumors flew. Inaccurate assessments that Facebook with censoring posts quickly emerged. In time, innocuous posts for being removed. Slowly, members took to Twitter to discuss the situation, and it became apparent that there was a bug. Facebook now works hard to make sure a repeat of the problem won’t occur.
Hopefully, Facebook put the software bug behind it. With fewer people working in the office, however, other problems may arise.
Dil Bole Oberoi
