Everything We Know About Facebook's Secret Mood Manipulation Experiment. It was probably legal. But was it ethical?
From The Embassy of Good Science
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Everything We Know About Facebook's Secret Mood Manipulation Experiment. It was probably legal. But was it ethical?
What is this about?
This case is about a Facebook study that manipulated users' data in order to examine emotions and their change. The study lasted for a week. Facebook claims that the use of data was in order to improve their services. The author of this case study poses the question of whether, although legal under the company's terms and conditions, such use of data is ethical.
Why is this important?
This is a thought provoking case that provides some philosophical questions on what is legal and ethical. Issues around informed consent, the role of the IRB and the funding of the study are also discussed.
