This article will be a bit different than most I publish because my brain is bouncing around all over the place to give as much information in as short a space as possible while still providing the PoC readers with entertainment as well as knowledge. I decided at the last minute before publication to call this article ‘The Social Dilemma: A blog post on Facebook terms, animal rescue and censorship.’ Perhaps I should have added ‘social media addiction…’

Garfield is safe (SEAACA)

Netflix has a new and highly watched documentary titled The Social Dilemma. The Social Dilemma website sums it up well stating

We tweet, we like, and we share— but what are the consequences of our growing dependence on social media? This documentary-drama hybrid reveals how social media is reprogramming civilization with tech experts sounding the alarm on their own creations.

I watched this Friday night and the main point I took away from from it is Facebook isn’t giving us all the same information. It’s based on our likes, dislikes, political views and many other things that are factored in to create what they hope is the perfect individualized content. All of this is coming from former executives from Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google, etc.

Trending on Netflix (courtesy of Netflix)

Personally, I enjoy content keyed to my interests, especially animal rescue. I spent the weekend keeping up with an FIV+ ginger beauty named Garfield. He was scheduled for euthanasia September 18 at Southeast Area Animal Control Authority (SEAACA), a shelter in Downey, California.

While Garfield was only one of millions of cats (and dogs) posted as out of time on social media, he’s also a representative of how people come together and save unwanted pets, one pet at a time. Garfield was down to his final day and spoken for before time ran out. His story was NERVE WRACKING! I was afraid to check his status first thing Saturday morning.

I’ll admit I’m somewhat addicted to Facebook. When I first get online I check on sick friends, sick pets, friends I want to be sure aren’t in jail due to their beliefs or actions and cute memes and updates on whether a shelter pet is now safe. I also check for stories for my Facebook group My Compassionbuzz News where we all contribute uplifting content.

So Facebook isn’t all bad. It isn’t all good either, since social media has learned how to reel us in and all the while we’re thinking it was up to us to check in on our favorite social media site. Even in the middle of the night and when we should be spending time with family and friends.

Come October 1, 2020, Facebook is rewriting the rules of engagement. Will it hurt animal rescue? Maybe. It’s worded

Effective October 1, 2020, section 3.2 of our Terms of Service will be updated to include: “We also can remove or restrict access to your content, services or information if we determine that doing so is reasonably necessary to avoid or mitigate adverse legal or regulatory impacts to Facebook.”

Facebook terms and conditions (Facebook)

Twitter user Jordan Wildon posted

“We will remove content not because it is incorrect, misleading, illegal, or spreads dangerous misinformation, but because removing it might help prevent us from getting caught allowing it.”

While some are anticipating changes as a good thing, the new terms and conditions will also give Facebook the authority not only to remove what they say is fake information, they may also ban content on how to handle health problems, even going as far as to delete groups and pages that target anything they disapprove of.

Think of how many pets could suffer if Facebook bans disease-specific groups on Facebook. No more sharing information on IBS kitties or the benefits of CBD oil or turmeric or colloidal silver or anything people wish to know more about while connecting with others as to how to benefit themselves or their pets. Most of this stems from topics like COVID-19 and the use of vaccines. They’re already performing what they call “fact checking” where they posting about what they consider misinformation or remove the post entirely.

Facebook can even call the cops on you (Facebook)

If Facebook removes a group for policy reasons, administrators and moderators of that group will be unable to create any new groups for a period of time. Groups without administrators will be archived. They can even call the cops on you if you’re believed to be a danger. That’s great unless you’re arrested for something you innocently posted but which Facebook believes illegal or threatening.

I’ve posted several links below that are worth checking out for more information. Feel free to comment on any of this. Especially on whether you plan to stay with Facebook or have found something you believe will be a better fit. What do you believe the future holds for those of us hooked on social media?

The Social Dilemma

Facebook changes terms of service. What does it mean?

Facebook: My Compassionbuzz News

Facebook is cracking down on groups that give health advice and promote violence