Ever wondered about the inner workings of Facebook and its global ambitions? Want to dive into Mark Zuckerberg's political aspirations and the ethical dilemmas he faces while expanding his social media empire? Curious about the role Facebook plays in world events and its impact on society? Get ready to explore the stark contrast between the company's public image and internal realities, and learn about the challenges of working in one of the most powerful tech giants in the world.

Careless People: A Cautionary Tale of Power, Greed, and Lost Idealism

Imagine being at an archeological ruin on the Panamanian coast, surrounded by seminaked people in ancient costumes, and a discontented Mark Zuckerberg. It was the 2015 Summit of the Americas, and Sarah, the author, managed to get Mark an invitation to a state dinner meant for world leaders. 

But there they were, alone, perplexed by the odd rituals and nudity around them. Mark, uncomfortable and out of place, whispered, “Why are there naked people at a state dinner?”

The evening went downhill as Sarah scrambled to switch Mark's seating to a better table, only for it to be switched back within minutes. The awkwardness peaked when the Canadian Prime Minister bluntly refused to meet Mark, right in front of him. Mark, unaccustomed to being ignored, stood awkwardly, a fish out of water. 

As the uncomfortable cocktail hour dragged on, they sought solace in mojitos, only to be thwarted again as the seating arrangements reverted. The night culminated in a frantic escape through a tunnel filled with horses, leading them into the darkness of a field, breathless and bewildered.

In contrast to this bizarre evening, Sarah's journey to Facebook began with idealism. She once thought she’d be saving the world at the UN but became disillusioned. Then, in 2009, she saw Facebook’s potential to change the world. She was convinced that the social network would become a global political force. Determined, she pitched herself to Facebook, despite not having a job there. After relentless follow-ups and a serendipitous call from Marne Levine, Facebook’s VP of Global Public Policy, Sarah finally secured a position she crafted herself – Manager of Global Public Policy.

Her first day at Facebook was a comedy of errors. Mistaking her laptop for a home computer, Sarah arrived without it, only to jog back home in a panic. Marne, oblivious to her mishap, introduced her to the quirky office culture, far removed from her embassy days. Her first assignment was coordinating a visit from New Zealand’s Prime Minister. Despite Mark’s disinterest in politics, Sarah managed to orchestrate a brief, albeit awkward, interaction between him and the Prime Minister. Sheryl Sandberg’s charisma saved the day, transforming the visit into a friendly chat.

The real challenge came with the German minister of consumer protection. Germany’s deep-seated suspicion of centralized data due to historical experiences with the Stasi and Gestapo made them wary of Facebook. Their meeting was a disaster, culminating in an awkward discussion about topless sunbathing and content moderation. The German government’s investigation into Facebook soon followed, marking a sobering failure for Sarah.

These experiences encapsulate Sarah's early years at Facebook. From surreal state dinners to navigating international policy, it was a journey of launching herself at various things that didn’t quite work out as expected. Yet, it was an adventure that began with hope, and despite the mishaps, it was an invaluable learning curve in the realm of global politics and social media.

Did Mark Zuckerberg Really Attend a State Dinner with Naked People in 2015?

When Sarah joined Facebook, she was immediately struck by the wealth and informality of the place, unlike any other workplace she'd experienced. One night, Meredith, an assistant, showed her a pair of gorgeous Christian Louboutin shoes. Sarah admired them, only to be told she'd never afford them, a harsh introduction to the financial disparity at Facebook.

Assistants and junior staff often had wealth surpassing their bosses due to stock options. This created a workplace glutted with status symbols—Louis Vuitton bags, massive engagement rings, diamond bracelets. Wealth was one currency, but stamina was another. Marne, Elliot, and Sheryl’s work ethic was relentless, demanding similar intensity from their teams. Marne’s routine was punishing: working late into the night, rising before dawn, barely eating.

Facebook’s philosophy on perks was utilitarian, designed to keep employees focused on their mission to change the world. Mark Zuckerberg's Little Red Book emphasized social justice and the idea that working at Facebook was not just a job, but a life mission. Despite the punishing workload, Sarah felt privileged to be part of something impactful, like setting up rules for social media and transparency reports.

However, chaos was normal at Facebook. From government promises in Vietnam to incorrect statements in Australia, from poop emoji storms to ISIS beheading videos, the problems were relentless. Yet, Marne Levine and Sarah worked well together, navigating crises and shaping a new future.

One significant challenge was aligning Facebook’s mission with its actions. A summit was planned to decide what they stood for, but it quickly revealed a lack of grand ideology. Facebook was simply managing crises, not creating a global constitution. The boys in the office wanted principles and vision, but Marne believed in plugging along, managing each crisis as it came.

Amid all this, Sarah was tasked with ensuring Javier Olivan stayed at Facebook through a trip to the Summit of the Americas in Cartagena. Javi, in charge of Facebook’s global growth, was crucial to the company's expansion. However, he was considering leaving after the IPO. The trip was a mix of official events and unexpected encounters, including a salsa club with Hillary Clinton and a local celebrity who was a bullfighter and porn star. Ultimately, Javi decided to stay, shaping Facebook’s future alongside Mark.

As Facebook reached one billion users, the focus shifted to dramatic growth. Countries outside the US became vital, and Sarah's work with foreign governments took on new importance. In Myanmar, where Facebook was blocked by the junta, she navigated tense meetings to ensure the platform stayed accessible. The experience was harrowing, but she succeeded in forging a tentative agreement.

Meanwhile, Sheryl Sandberg’s book "Lean In" marked a new era. The book’s launch involved menial tasks for female employees, blurring the line between Facebook work and Sheryl’s personal benefit. Despite the grumbling, the book’s principles resonated with many, though some saw it as a way to get more out of employees for nothing.

During Sheryl’s international book tour, including a meeting with Japan’s Prime Minister Abe, Sarah witnessed her fierce determination and the blurry line between authenticity and image. Her reaction to her children eating McDonald’s revealed the mask she wore, leading to a stark realization for Sarah. When an Asiana flight crash-landed, Sheryl posted about narrowly missing it, despite never being booked on it, leaving Sarah questioning her motives and the truth behind her actions.

Working at Facebook was an intense, transformative experience for Sarah, filled with moments of pride, anxiety, and disillusionment. Yet, through it all, she navigated the complexities of a workplace striving to change the world while grappling with its own contradictions.

Inside Facebook: Navigating Wealth, Work Ethic, and Chaos with Sheryl Sandberg

Sarah knew about Sheryl’s temper long before the Japan trip. She had seen her blow up at people many times, including her best friend Marne. But after Japan, the unpredictability of Sheryl’s outbursts became more apparent. 

One day, nine of them were in Sheryl’s conference room, aptly named "Only Good News." Debbie was late, caught at traffic lights. Sheryl waited in silence, then berated Debbie upon her arrival for not anticipating traffic delays. Debbie’s humiliation was palpable, but none of them dared to defend her.

At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Sheryl lashed out when an assistant’s badge was missing, blaming Marne and Sarah. They took responsibility to avoid further conflict and forced the staff to print the badge. Sheryl could be charming and intelligent, often drawing people in. But her unpredictable anger kept everyone on edge.

Angela Merkel’s refusal to meet Sheryl led them to lie about scheduling issues to avoid her fury. When Marne eventually confessed, Sheryl’s anger lingered for months, affecting their interactions.

Sarah's dedication to work reached an extreme when she drafted talking points for Sheryl during labor. Despite objections from her husband Tom and her doctor, she sent the email. This relentless drive continued post-maternity leave, where her baby’s presence during calls affected her performance review. Sheryl’s suggestion to hire a Filipina nanny reflected her real beliefs about work and womanhood, not the empowering messages in her book "Lean In."

Breastfeeding while traveling was a challenge for Sarah. In Colombia, unable to pump in the jungle, she endured excruciating pain. In Turkey, she resorted to hand gestures to explain her need to pump, leading to an awkward misunderstanding with a hotel staff.

A Korea trip posed a real threat with arrest warrants for Mark, Sheryl, and the team. Facebook’s disregard for local laws led to investigations worldwide. A meeting to address the Korea issue focused on finding a “body” to test the authorities’ seriousness about arrests. When all eyes turned to Sarah, she negotiated her way out, realizing her bosses cared little about her well-being.

On a private jet to Asia, Sarah felt out of place among Mark’s inner circle. In Indonesia, they stayed at a luxurious resort, and Sarah navigated the awkwardness of swimming with her bosses. Mark’s indifference to his child’s birth surprised her. Playing Settlers of Catan, she noticed people letting Mark win, which she pointed out, causing tension.

At Borobudur temple, Mark’s common touch charmed tourists, but at Prambanan, his attempt to take a photo for a group was rebuffed, leaving him dejected. Sarah tried to comfort him, but his embarrassment lingered.

These experiences highlighted the stark contrast between Facebook’s public messages and internal realities, making Sarah question her place in the company.

Did Sheryl Sandberg's Temper and Mark Zuckerberg's Indifference Shape Facebook Experience?

Mark's first Asia tour was a whirlwind, with unexpected requests and unusual challenges. His assistant was puzzled by his request for a riot or peace rally, aiming to be "gently mobbed" by crowds. 

In Jakarta, wardrobe issues arose when Mark rejected the traditional batik shirt for a meeting with Indonesia's President-Elect Joko Widodo. Late for the meeting due to wardrobe malfunctions, they were engulfed by a chaotic crowd. Amid the frenzy, Mark's security almost mistook a two-star general for a threat, highlighting the trip's intense atmosphere.

Mark's fascination with the power of crowds and social media was evident as he joined a blusukan with Jokowi, despite security concerns. The experience left Mark exhilarated, witnessing the president-elect's immense popularity firsthand.

The journey continued through South Korea and Japan, with Mark and his team navigating cultural diplomacy, karaoke parties, and turbulent flights. In Japan, discussions with Prime Minister Abe underscored the positive potential of Facebook's tech diplomacy.

However, the China leg of the trip loomed with complexity. Mark was determined to establish Facebook there, despite moral dilemmas and Instagram's recent blocking due to its role in Hong Kong's protests. Internally, discussions about data privacy and entry strategies revealed tensions and ethical challenges.

Back at Facebook, changes in leadership saw Joel Kaplan, a former Bush aide, take over the policy team. His focus was on political advertising and building influence through PACs, clashing with the global team's values. The narrative highlighted the evolving landscape of tech diplomacy, the intricacies of international relations, and the ethical questions faced by a company with global ambitions.

Mark Zuckerberg’s Turbulent Asia Tour

In the high-stakes world of global tech, where power and influence intersect, Mark Zuckerberg is at the center of it all. As Facebook grapples with complex international issues, from censorship in Russia to navigating the corridors of power at the World Economic Forum in Davos, the company's leadership finds itself at the crossroads of business ambitions and ethical dilemmas.

Mark's growing interest in foreign policy decisions, such as the controversial blocking of a Facebook event page in Russia, signals his desire to steer the company's global narrative. Yet, the decision-making process, once a collaborative effort guided by established Community Standards, becomes increasingly autocratic. Mark's interventions, often aligning with business interests, challenge the company's ethos and leave employees questioning their roles in the face of government pressure.

As Facebook's global expansion accelerates, so does its entanglement with political dynamics. In Panama, Mark's attempt to champion Internet.org at the Summit of the Americas illustrates the delicate balance of tech diplomacy, while an awkward encounter with the President of Guatemala underscores the unpredictable nature of such engagements. Meanwhile, in Brazil, Mark's bid to win over President Rousseff for Internet.org is met with skepticism, highlighting the complexities of navigating international tech policies.

Back in the U.S., the gravitational pull of Silicon Valley begins to reshape the landscape of power. Despite the allure of New York, Sarah, a key player in Facebook's policy team, feels the subtle pressure to relocate to California, where the future of tech influence is being forged. Mark's rare, yet telling, emails of appreciation nudge her decision, reflecting the nuanced dance of leadership and influence within Facebook's ranks.

Amidst the whirlwind of global meetings, political maneuverings, and personal sacrifices, Facebook's trajectory continues to evolve, driven by Mark's vision and the relentless pursuit of connectivity. The narrative unfolds in a world where the lines between technology, power, and responsibility blur, leaving those at the helm to navigate the murky waters of innovation and its impact on society.

Is Mark Zuckerberg's Global Tech Diplomacy Reshaping Facebook's Ethical Boundaries?

September 2015 was a whirlwind week for Mark Zuckerberg, with pivotal moments for his projects in China and Internet.org. The week began with anticipation as Chinese president Xi Jinping's visit to the US was hyped to include a stop at Facebook headquarters. Despite high hopes and a specially cultivated Facebook page, Xi chose Seattle, home to Amazon and Microsoft, instead. Mark managed a brief handshake at Microsoft's campus, but faced diplomatic fallout over a breach of protocol in the photo he posted.

Mark's next big moment was at the United Nations, promoting Internet.org. Despite securing a prime speaking slot, internal team dynamics questioned the significance. Mark's speech aimed to influence the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, advocating for internet access. This led to a campaign, including celebrity endorsements and a Connectivity Declaration, emphasizing that internet access is crucial for global progress. However, the initiative was met with skepticism, particularly from digital rights groups pointing out the limitations of Internet.org.

The pressure intensified in India and Brazil, where regulatory hurdles threatened Internet.org. Mark's aggressive tactics, inspired by Uber's controversial strategies, aimed to mobilize users and pressure governments. Despite massive campaigns and 17 million submissions to India's regulator, a technical glitch reduced this to 1.4 million, leading to Free Basics being banned.

Amid these challenges, Mark’s broader ambitions for Internet.org faced setbacks, including the crash of the Aquila drone and the explosion of a satellite on a SpaceX rocket. Meanwhile, Sheryl Sandberg's absence from these crises underscored her reliance on young assistants, notably Sadie, who navigated the complexities of her role with both ambition and stress.

On a personal note, Sarah struggled with the demands of her job, including traveling late in her pregnancy and facing an awkward moment with Sheryl on a private jet. Despite her discomfort, she continued to push through, balancing professional challenges with her imminent citizenship test. The test itself was fraught with anxiety, culminating in a setback due to residency requirements.

This period highlighted the intense pressures and ethical dilemmas faced within Facebook’s leadership, as they navigated global ambitions, personal dynamics, and the relentless pursuit of growth.

Mark Zuckerberg's Diplomatic Dance: High Stakes, UN Goals, and Global Ambitions

In February 2016, Facebook's leadership faced intense scrutiny from global leaders at Davos concerning terrorism, hate speech, and taxation. The company was struggling with governmental pressure worldwide, and Internet.org was failing to gain traction. 

Joel, Sheryl, and Elliot agreed that the board needed to be made aware of the impending regulatory threats. The board meeting, held in a casual setting at Facebook's headquarters, revealed differing perspectives on how to handle the situation, including suggestions to cozy up to far-right political parties in Europe to avoid regulation. The presentation highlighted the challenges Facebook faced, but the board's response was to focus on making deals with global decision-makers.

In March 2016, Diego Dzodan, Facebook's VP in Brazil, was arrested due to WhatsApp's refusal to hand over messages in a drug trafficking case. Mark Zuckerberg, instead of prioritizing Diego's release, saw it as an opportunity to craft a heartwarming post about protecting user privacy. Despite warnings from the legal team about the potential backlash, Mark remained focused on his narrative. Diego was eventually released, but the incident left a lasting impact on how Mark was perceived by his team.

Sarah's personal journey was equally tumultuous. She traveled to João Pessoa, Brazil, during her pregnancy and later realized it was the epicenter of the Zika virus outbreak. The fear of having exposed her unborn child to the virus was overwhelming. After giving birth to a healthy baby girl, she faced a life-threatening postpartum hemorrhage, leading to emergency surgery and a difficult recovery. Despite her critical condition, Facebook's leadership pressured her to return to work, culminating in uncomfortable and inappropriate exchanges with Joel.

The 2016 US election brought further challenges. Joel, a staunch Republican, celebrated Trump's victory, viewing it as beneficial for business and tech. The emotional meeting at Facebook headquarters the day after the election highlighted the stark divide within the company, with many employees expressing fear and concern. The meeting concluded with a dismissal of Facebook's role in influencing the election, despite the company's significant involvement in political advertising and the spread of misinformation.

As Sarah navigated her recovery and the political turmoil within Facebook, she realized she needed to leave the company. The experience had shown her that she could no longer do good from within and that the leadership's priorities were misaligned with the human costs of their actions.

Did Facebook's Power Struggles and Political Maneuvering Lead to Its Downfall?

Mark Zuckerberg had been furious, frustrated by the blame placed on Facebook for the election results. He and Sarah had headed to Peru for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit—a trip Sarah had suggested to help Mark understand the intricacies of international governance. Mark, grappling with Facebook's immense global influence, was increasingly curious about how international systems worked and whether they could be strengthened.

As they got ready to depart, Mark realized he'd forgotten his passport, which added to his already simmering anger. His frustration seemed compounded by the blame Facebook was getting for Trump's election, a passport mishap, and the trip itself. Mark's bubble of privilege was evident—he was disconnected from basic responsibilities like carrying a passport. When he suggested calling the president of Peru to bypass passport requirements, Sarah gently reminded him that even he needed a passport.

The trip had been fraught with issues, including a previous concern about Zika virus risks due to Mark and Priscilla's plans to conceive another child. They took extreme measures to protect Mark, constructing a controlled environment to minimize exposure, showcasing the lengths Facebook went to maintain Mark's comfort.

On the flight to Peru, Mark and Elliot argued about Facebook's role in Trump's election. Elliot laid out how Facebook's tools had helped Trump's campaign target voters with inflammatory ads and misinformation. Mark transitioned from skepticism to curiosity, admiring the campaign's ingenuity rather than being horrified by Facebook's role. Elliot pushed Mark to acknowledge Facebook's influence in the election and commit to changes, but Mark resisted, perceiving it as capitulation to media pressure.

In Peru, Mark met world leaders, including an awkward encounter with President Xi of China, who avoided him. Mark presided over a roundtable with heads of state, but his mind seemed elsewhere, preoccupied and disengaged.

Mark's ambition grew—he started contemplating a presidential run. He planned a road trip through battleground states, hired consultants who had helped elect previous presidents, and published a manifesto filled with grandiose aspirations. His actions indicated a clear intent to build a political profile.

At Facebook, a secret group of female employees, the Feminist Fight Club (FFC), raised issues of harassment and inequality. Despite efforts like the #ally bot, which rewarded men for supporting women, systemic issues persisted. Sarah faced harassment from her boss, Joel, and when she reported it, she was met with indifference from higher-ups, including Elliot. Eventually, Joel retaliated by reducing Sarah's responsibilities and forcing her to work on China, a policy she opposed.

Throughout these events, the disconnect between Facebook's leadership and the reality faced by its employees became apparent. Mark's interest in politics reflected his desire to wield power, while internal issues at Facebook highlighted the challenges of working within such a powerful, yet flawed, organization.

Mark Zuckerberg's Furious Journey from Facebook Malfunction to Presidential Ambition

Against her will, Sarah had been installed to run Facebook’s China team—a test of loyalty, reminiscent of totalitarian tactics. Mark Zuckerberg’s desire to enter the Chinese market had grown immensely, even while Facebook remained banned. China was Facebook’s second-largest market, accounting for $5 billion in revenue through resellers targeting ads outside China. 

As Sarah took over the opaque China policy, she discovered that Facebook’s pitch to China included promises of boosting their economy, promoting the “China dream,” and aiding surveillance. Facebook offered special access to user data—profiles with real names that adhered to local laws and collaborated with law enforcement. This meant surveillance, potentially leading to grim consequences for users, like harassment, arrest, or worse.

Project Aldrin, named after Buzz Aldrin, aimed to enter China with Hony Capital, code-named Jupiter. Hony would store Chinese user data and censor banned content, while Facebook provided facial recognition and other tools for censorship. Tools included an emergency switch to block regions like Xinjiang and remove viral content during potential unrest.

Facebook’s complicity extended to building an undersea cable to connect China and the US, despite risks of data interception. Documents revealed Facebook storing data in Chinese PoP servers, accessible under Chinese law, risking espionage and compromising non-Chinese user data. Facebook’s leadership preferred direct control and communication with the Chinese government, despite potential consequences like death, torture, and incarceration—edited out in final documents.

In meetings with Chinese officials, Facebook agreed to censorship tools, fulfilling requests like blocking content from Chinese users, including political activists like Guo Wengui. Facebook blocked Guo’s page in April 2017, under direct pressure from China, affecting Facebook’s entry into China. Mark Zuckerberg lied about the pressure during a Senate hearing.

In May 2017, Facebook secretly launched apps in China through shell companies, violating Chinese law and misleading investors. The apps were shut down after a New York Times story. Despite this, Facebook continued efforts to enter China, including launching Oculus and setting up a start-up incubator.

Facebook’s advertising practices came under scrutiny in April 2017, revealing targeting teenagers during moments of vulnerability, exploiting their insecurities. Despite internal debates, Facebook issued a false denial, claiming it didn't offer tools to target based on emotional state. This deception angered advertisers who relied on precise targeting for profits. 

Throughout this turmoil, Facebook’s leadership remained detached, focused on personal ambitions, while the company’s practices revealed a disregard for user privacy, ethical considerations, and the law.

Is Facebook's Quest for China Entry a Dangerous Dance with Censorship and Surveillance?

Trust had crumbled at Facebook, where discontent over its role in political events and handling of internal issues had left employees feeling complicit. Recruitment was tough, as prospective hires avoided the company, and management seemed out of touch with the generational shift prioritizing morality over business. 

Efforts to boost morale, like Elliot’s "fireside chat," fell flat as employees questioned the leadership’s moral authority. Diversity sessions addressed race and gender bias, but they often felt like pantomimes avoiding real issues. When serious questions arose, like responsibility for harassment, they were quickly shut down.

The entitlement culture was stark, with employees dismissing community complaints about gentrification with Ayn Rand-like defenses of success. When Charlottesville happened, questions about neo-Nazis and hate speech got overshadowed by mundane topics like gym overcrowding. Facebook’s leadership dismissed criticism as a “witch hunt,” likening it to nationalism, where being on the “right” side was assumed.

Internally, Facebook was aware of its harmful engagement tactics but did little to change. An internal memo by CTO Andrew Bosworth suggested relaxing these practices, but nothing changed. Partners like Snopes left, calling Facebook’s efforts crisis PR. Meanwhile, signs of internal detachment showed when a woman convulsed at work, ignored by colleagues engrossed in their screens.

Globally, Facebook’s impact was damaging. In Myanmar, Facebook became synonymous with the internet, used to spread hate speech that led to real-world violence. Facebook’s system, reliant on inadequate moderation, failed to address these issues. Despite efforts to hire a human rights expert, leadership blocked it, indifferent to the escalating situation.

The leadership’s indifference extended to internal harassment issues, where complaints against Joel, a senior executive, were mishandled, leading to the whistleblower’s firing. As Facebook grappled with its impact on society, employees like the author struggled with being part of a company that profited from callousness and indifference, knowing a different, more responsible path was possible.

As Sarah reflected on her journey and the ethical failures witnessed, she found solace in family and advocacy work. Despite the challenges, she engaged in AI policy, recognizing the critical need for responsible technology governance to prevent future harms. This narrative highlighted the deep-rooted issues at Facebook and the broader implications of unchecked corporate power.

Inside Facebook: A Crisis of Trust and Moral Turmoil

Sarah has come to realize the profound complexities and contradictions inherent in working for a tech giant with global ambitions. The initial idealism of changing the world through connectivity quickly confronted the harsh realities of political maneuvering, ethical dilemmas, and internal power dynamics.

Navigating the surreal and often awkward international engagements revealed the disconnect between Facebook's public mission and its internal practices. The relentless pursuit of expansion, especially in challenging markets like China, exposed troubling compromises with user privacy and ethical standards.

The intense work culture, characterized by wealth disparity and relentless drive, created an environment where personal sacrifices were often undervalued, and moral concerns sidelined. Leadership's focus on growth sometimes overshadowed the human costs of their decisions, leading to disillusionment and questioning of one's place within the company.

The internal struggles with harassment, diversity, and employee morale highlighted deeper issues of entitlement and detachment. Despite efforts to address these concerns, the leadership's response often felt insufficient, revealing a gap between stated values and actions.

Externally, Facebook's impact on societies, from exacerbating violence in Myanmar to influencing political events globally, underscored the need for responsible technology governance. These experiences have shaped Sarah's understanding of the critical importance of ethical leadership and the responsibility tech companies hold in shaping the future.

Ultimately, while the journey at Facebook was transformative, it also illuminated the pressing need for a more conscientious approach to technology and its societal implications.

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