GoKawiilMeta internal notes show plan to recruit academics against critic Jonathan Haidt
Court filings in litigation over Meta's teen safety claims reveal internal 'Well-being Meeting' notes from March 2023 describing a 'Whisper strategy' aimed at turning other academics against social psychologist Jonathan Haidt, a vocal critic linking social media to teen mental health problems. The notes, dated around a Substack post by Haidt, appear informal and typo-ridden, and it remains unclear whether Meta ever acted on the ideas discussed.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The documents suggest Meta was closely tracking Haidt's growing influence as it faced mounting lawsuits over teen safety, which could indicate concern that his research was shaping public and legal opinion against the company. Because the plans appear unexecuted and informal, they may reflect brainstorming rather than a coordinated campaign, but their emergence in litigation could still shape how courts and the public view Meta's conduct toward critics.
- Meta considered a 'Whisper strategy' to turn academics against Jonathan Haidt, per newly surfaced court filings.
- The notes date to March 2023, before Haidt published 'The Anxious Generation' but after his 2022 congressional testimony.
- It's unclear whether Meta implemented any of the discussed tactics, and Meta did not immediately comment.
The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt — This is the very book at the center of Meta's alleged campaign to discredit Haidt's research on social media and teen mental health. Reading it firsthand lets you evaluate his arguments and evidence yourself rather than relying on secondhand narratives.
See The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: theverge.com — Lauren Feiner, 2026-10-28
Published there as: “Meta considered a ‘whisper strategy’ to turn academics against Jonathan Haidt”
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