'Real world Facebook worries - and a little light relief'

Former MHK David Cretney considers the darker side of social media before finding some welcome light relief in the classic television comedies of years gone by...

Whilst in Manchester recently I had some spare time before checking into my Premier Inn,.

I could have checked in early, but they wanted £15 for the privilege. Instead, I decided I would rather spend my money, and almost two hours, ‘relaxing’ in the comfort of a nearby multiscreen cinema with plush seating.

I had not seen the 2010 film The Social Network, so, in my naivety, I was unprepared for the recently released The Social Reckoning.

The film follows data engineer Frances Haugen, who joined Facebook’s Civic Integrity team.

She believes in Facebook’s mission to connect people but discovers that its leadership prioritises engagement and revenue over user safety.

After unsuccessfully raising concerns internally, she links up with Wall Street Journal investigative journalist Jeff Horwitz.

Alongside others, she attempts to explain to Mark Zuckerberg that Facebook’s algorithms amplify hate speech and divisive content, but the concerns are rejected.

She shares internal documents with Jeff, who eventually begins publishing articles in the ‘Facebook Files’ series, putting her at considerable personal risk.

In 2021, Zuckerberg is preparing to testify before the US Senate when he is challenged internally over the company’s approach to free speech and its policy of not fact-checking political advertisements.

Preparations are interrupted by news of the attack on the US Capitol and the involvement of the President, who is eventually blocked from posting on Facebook’s platforms.

Frances resolves to seek whistleblower protection and testifies before the Senate, while further revelations emerge from the Facebook Files.

She goes on to testify before the UK Parliament, the European Parliament and elsewhere, receiving considerable acclaim.

The closing credits, however, offer little reassurance. They report that Facebook eliminated its fact-checking programmes, that the company changed its name to Meta in October 2021 and that 43% of Americans continue to receive their news from Facebook.

There is also the reported $25 billion penalty imposed on Meta over allegations involving misleading statements about personal data, hate speech and misinformation between 2010 and 2021. The company intends to appeal.

Ironically, that same evening, I joined 23,000 others at the Co-op Live Arena to hear a positive message from former US President Barack Obama.

So what has all this to do with us here on the Isle of Man?

Simply this: don’t believe everything you read, see or hear online, or indeed through other sources.

The same warning applies to scammers and hackers. There are plenty of people willing to take advantage of others, often targeting the vulnerable.

Exercise caution.

Where do you get your news from?

In our unstable and uncertain world, the accuracy of what we are told has surely never been more important.

Another thought struck me. Despite all our challenges involving the economy, business, affordable housing and the cost of living, we live in a special place compared with much of the negativity and hostility elsewhere.

There is no question that constant exposure to distressing news can affect our mental wellbeing.

One prescription I administer to myself is to get out into our lovely countryside, walking the hills, glens and beaches with my wire-haired fox terriers, Rosie and Ted.

As regular readers will know, I also love immersing myself in the power of live music. It refreshes the soul.

What would be your preferred antidote to today’s woes? Do get in touch and let me know.

Another remedy, often championed by Reader’s Digest, is ‘laughter - the best medicine’.

Even in our caring society, loneliness and negative thoughts can prevail. It is reassuring that there are people willing to give their time to listen and offer support.

And with so many television channels available, one thing that cheers me up is the chance to watch repeats of sitcoms from years gone by.

How about you?

Enough gloom and doom. Let’s finish this week’s ramblings with a few programmes that continue to bring pleasure long after their original broadcasts.

Who could forget the Home Guard volunteers based in Walmington-on-Sea?

Originally broadcast on BBC One from July 31, 1968, to November 13, 1977, Dad’s Army ran for nine series and 80 episodes, regularly attracting audiences of 18 million.

A film followed in 1971, along with a stage show and radio version.

With its talented cast, memorable characters and endlessly repeated catchphrases, the programme became part of British popular culture.

Radio Times included Captain Mainwaring’s ‘You stupid boy!’ among television’s 25 greatest put-downs.

In a 2001 Channel 4 poll, the captain was ranked 21st among the 100 greatest television characters.

In 2004, Dad’s Army came fourth in a BBC poll to find Britain’s best sitcom. It was also placed 13th in the British Film Institute’s list of the 100 greatest British television programmes in 2000.

And who could forget Private Pike, Private Frazer, Private Godfrey, Lance Corporal Jones, Sergeant Wilson and so many others?

There are characters who stay with us long after the final credits have rolled.

Written by John Cleese and Connie Booth, Fawlty Towers was originally broadcast on BBC Two in 1975 and 1979.

Just two series were made, each containing six episodes.

Set in a thoroughly dysfunctional hotel, the stories revolve around Basil Fawlty, its tense, rude and put-upon owner, his formidable wife Sybil, the sensible chambermaid Polly and the hapless Spanish waiter Manuel.

Together, they attempt to run the establishment while dealing with farcical situations and an assortment of demanding and eccentric guests and tradespeople.

The series won the British Academy Television Award for Best Scripted Comedy in 1976 and 1980, while Cleese received the award for Best Entertainment Performance in 1980.

In 2000, the British Film Institute ranked Fawlty Towers first among its 100 greatest British television programmes.

A Channel 4 poll the following year placed Basil Fawlty second only to Homer Simpson among television’s greatest characters.

In 2019, a panel of comedy experts assembled by Radio Times named it the greatest British television sitcom.

Not bad for just 12 episodes.

Starring Ronnie Barker and Richard Beckinsale, Porridge was broadcast on BBC One between 1974 and 1977, running for three series and two Christmas specials.

Set in the fictional HMP Slade, its title comes from a British slang term for a prison sentence, derived from the traditional breakfast once served in prisons.

I particularly enjoy the programme’s introduction featuring ‘habitual criminal’ Norman Stanley Fletcher.

Then there are the two contrasting prison officers.

Mr Mackay is a tough, austere Scotsman with a clear dislike of Fletcher, with whom he frequently clashes.

His subordinate, Mr Barrowclough, is empathetic and progressively minded, but his good nature and principles leave him open to manipulation.

Naturally, Fletcher is only too happy to take advantage of this arrangement, using Barrowclough’s kindness to outwit Mackay’s attempts to enforce discipline or catch him out.

It is a wonderful contrast between three characters, each with his own approach to life behind bars.

So, what was your favourite sitcom from years gone by, and why?

Do get in touch. After all, a little laughter might be just what we need.