Court filings say Meta considered ‘whisper strategy’ to turn academics against Jonathan Haidt

Meta discussed a “whisper strategy” to turn academics against social psychologist Jonathan Haidt in March 2023, according to newly filed court documents cited by The Verge. The consideration came as the company faced mounting scrutiny over teen mental health and a wave of kids safety lawsuits. The report raises fresh questions about Meta’s tactics toward critics during a volatile period for platform safety policy.

The Verge reports internal discussions aimed to discredit Haidt, a prominent critic of social media’s impact on adolescents, by nudging scholars to challenge his work. The filings surface as state and federal cases alleging harm to minors advance, and as lawmakers weigh stricter youth protections for online platforms. Watch for Meta’s response, any corroborating emails made public in discovery, and whether courts or regulators reference the alleged campaign in upcoming hearings. [Developing. This article will be updated.]