By The Book Reviews

Review by By The Books Reviewer

Sarah Wynn-Williams' "Careless People: A Cautionary Tale of Power, Greed, and Lost Idealism" is a scathing exposé that peels back the glossy veneer of Facebook to reveal a corporate culture steeped in ethical negligence and insatiable ambition. Drawing from her tenure in Facebook's public policy department from 2011 to 2017, Wynn-Williams delivers a narrative that is both deeply personal and alarmingly revelatory.

From the outset, Wynn-Williams presents herself as an idealist, captivated by Facebook's potential to connect the world. However, as she ascends the corporate ladder, she confronts a stark reality: a company where the pursuit of growth eclipses moral responsibility. Her transformation from a hopeful advocate to a disillusioned insider is portrayed with unflinching honesty, making her journey both compelling and relatable.

The writing is sharp, direct, and laced with a wry humor that underscores the absurdities she encountered. Wynn-Williams' candid style makes complex corporate machinations accessible, drawing readers into the high-stakes world of tech politics with ease. Her narrative is immersive, balancing professional analysis with personal anecdotes that add depth and authenticity.

One of the book's most striking revelations is Facebook's aggressive expansion strategies, particularly its attempts to penetrate the Chinese market. Wynn-Williams details how the company considered offering user data to the Chinese government, a move that starkly contrasts with its public stance on user privacy. This duplicity is emblematic of a broader pattern of ethical compromises made in the name of growth. ([ft.com](https://www.ft.com/content/51d5ed0b-fff4-4c54-bd74-db570bae2fed?utm_source=openai))

The portrayal of key executives is particularly damning. Joel Kaplan is depicted as politically narrow-minded, prioritizing Republican interests over global considerations. Sheryl Sandberg, often lauded for her feminist advocacy, is criticized for fostering a harsh work culture and engaging in performative feminism that belies her public persona. These characterizations challenge the carefully curated images these leaders have projected. ([ft.com](https://www.ft.com/content/51d5ed0b-fff4-4c54-bd74-db570bae2fed?utm_source=openai))

Wynn-Williams does not shy away from exposing Facebook's complicity in global crises. The company's mishandling of hate speech in Myanmar, which contributed to significant violence, is presented as a glaring example of negligence. The lack of resources allocated to monitor content in non-Western countries underscores a disturbing indifference to the platform's global impact. ([ft.com](https://www.ft.com/content/51d5ed0b-fff4-4c54-bd74-db570bae2fed?utm_source=openai))

While the memoir is rich in detail, it occasionally suffers from repetition, particularly in its critique of Facebook's ethical lapses. Additionally, a broader contextualization comparing Facebook's practices to those of other tech giants would have provided a more comprehensive analysis.

In conclusion, "Careless People" is a riveting and essential read for anyone seeking to understand the inner workings of one of the world's most influential companies. Wynn-Williams' unfiltered account serves as a sobering reminder of the ethical responsibilities that come with technological power. Her memoir is not just a personal journey but a call to action for greater accountability in the tech industry.

Recommendation: Highly recommended!

written on: 5/1/2025