Jesse Eisenberg, the actor known for portraying
Mark Zuckerberg in the 2010 film The Social Network, has made it clear that he no longer wants to be associated with the Meta CEO. In a recent interview with BBC News, Eisenberg expressed concerns about Zuckerberg’s decisions, particularly regarding Meta’s approach to content moderation and fact-checking.
Eisenberg’s remarks come in the wake of Meta’s recent decision to discontinue independent fact-checking on Facebook and Instagram, replacing it with a user-driven system similar to X (formerly Twitter). The actor criticised this move, arguing that it could further endanger vulnerable communities by allowing misinformation to spread unchecked.
Beyond his views on Meta and Zuckerberg, Eisenberg is currently promoting his new film, A Real Pain, which has earned critical acclaim and an Oscar nomination. However, his past role as Zuckerberg continues to follow him, despite his efforts to separate himself from the tech mogul.
Jesse Eisenberg’s criticism of Mark Zuckerberg and Meta
During his interview with BBC Radio 4’s Today program, Eisenberg did not hold back in his criticism of Meta’s policies and Zuckerberg’s influence. He specifically called out the company’s decision to eliminate third-party fact-checking, a move that has sparked controversy among media experts and political analysts.
"It's like this guy is... doing things that are problematic, taking away fact-checking," Eisenberg stated.
"[There are] safety concerns. Making people who are already threatened in the world more threatened."His comments highlight concerns that misinformation on social media could escalate if left unregulated. Many critics argue that relying on user-generated "community notes" to fact-check posts is an ineffective method that could be manipulated by bad actors.
Meta’s shift away from independent fact-checking
Meta’s policy change aligns with a broader push by CEO Mark Zuckerberg to emphasize "free expression" over strict content moderation. Last month, the company announced it would stop using third-party fact-checkers, citing concerns that they were "too politically biased." Instead, Meta introduced a system where users can leave comments rating the accuracy of posts, similar to the approach adopted by X.
In a video statement, Zuckerberg defended the move, saying,
"It's time to get back to our roots around free expression. Third-party moderators have become too politically biased, and this change will allow for a more open exchange of ideas."However, critics argue that this shift could lead to an increase in misinformation, especially on sensitive political and social issues.
Jesse Eisenberg condemns Meta’s role in political influence and censorship
Eisenberg’s criticism of Zuckerberg also touched on the financial and political dynamics at play. The actor expressed concern over how much power and wealth tech executives have accumulated, stating,
"These people have billions upon billions of dollars—more money than any human has ever amassed. And what are they doing with it? They’re using it to curry favor with people preaching hate."His remarks come at a time when Meta has been making moves to rebuild its relationship with former U.S. President Donald Trump. After being criticized by Trump and his allies for its content moderation policies, Meta has reversed several of its previous decisions, including lifting Trump’s suspension from Facebook.
In addition, last week, Trump signed a legal settlement that requires Meta to pay approximately $25 million. The settlement stems from a lawsuit Trump filed against the company in 2021 after his accounts were suspended following the January 6 Capitol riots.
Jesse Eisenberg blends comedy and tragedy in Oscar-nominated A Real Pain
While Eisenberg remains outspoken on political and social issues, he is currently focused on promoting his latest film, A Real Pain. The movie, which he wrote, directed, and stars in, follows two cousins who travel to Poland to visit Holocaust sites in honor of their late grandmother.
The film is deeply personal for Eisenberg, as it was inspired by his real-life Aunt Doris, and even features scenes shot in the home his family once lived in. The story juxtaposes modern-day struggles with the historical weight of the Holocaust, offering a unique perspective on generational trauma.
Despite the film’s serious subject matter, Eisenberg emphasized the importance of including humor, stating,
"It would be so sanctimonious without any humor in it."The film has received an Oscar nomination, along with co-star Kieran Culkin, further cementing Eisenberg’s reputation as a talented filmmaker and storyteller.
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