Internal Meta communications show company employees planned efforts to undermine Jonathan Haidt, a prominent academic whose research has shaped policy discussions around social media regulation. Meeting minutes dated 8 March 2023 reference discussions about deploying a “whisper strategy” and “below-the-line campaign” to damage Haidt’s credibility with the academic community, according to documents filed in US litigation.
The notes, contained in a document titled “Well-being Meeting Sound-check Notes,” indicate staff sought ways to “turn other academics against Haidt” and discussed efforts to have someone write a critical takedown piece about his work. References in the minutes point to discussions involving Meta’s then vice-president of research about how to make media outlets view Haidt as not credible. The documents suggest Meta wanted to accomplish these goals without a direct or visible campaign.
Haidt, a social psychologist, authored The Anxious Generation, which argues that smartphone use has contributed to mental health crises among young people. His work has become influential in policy circles, particularly regarding proposals to restrict social media access for minors and limit smartphone use in schools. Earlier this year, UK health officials sought his input on potential age restrictions for social media platforms.
Claims in the meeting minutes reference Columbia University professor Andrew Gelman potentially writing critical commentary about Haidt’s research. Gelman, who has previously questioned some of Haidt’s conclusions, stated this week that he was never contracted by Meta to produce negative material about the academic, though he has received unrestricted funding from Zuckerberg’s company previously.
The internal discussions were revealed as part of litigation filed by school districts against Meta. It remains unclear whether the company pursued the strategies outlined in the meeting notes. Haidt responded to the disclosure by stating he was unsurprised by Meta’s approach, saying that companies typically attack messengers when they cannot effectively dispute the underlying evidence.
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