Jesse Eisenberg’s Reflections on Mark Zuckerberg and ‘The Social Network’

Jesse Eisenberg, known for his portrayal of Mark Zuckerberg in the 2010 film The Social Network, has recently expressed his reservations about being associated with the Meta CEO. In an interview with BBC News, Eisenberg stated he no longer wishes to be linked with someone who he believes is making problematic decisions that impact vulnerable communities.

Eisenberg’s Concerns About Zuckerberg’s Actions

Eisenberg voiced his concerns regarding Zuckerberg’s choices, particularly Meta’s decision to remove independent fact-checkers from Facebook and Instagram. This change, replacing fact-checkers with a community notes system similar to X, allows users to comment on the accuracy of posts. Zuckerberg defended the move, claiming that third-party moderators were politically biased and that it was time to return to the platform’s roots of free expression.

However, Eisenberg finds this decision troubling. He questions the use of vast wealth by individuals like Zuckerberg, especially when it appears to be used to gain favor with figures who promote hate speech. Eisenberg’s perspective is influenced by his personal life, as he is married to a woman who teaches disability justice in New York and advocates for her students.

Meta’s Fact-Checking Policy Changes

Meta’s decision to alter its fact-checking policy occurred as Zuckerberg and other technology executives sought to improve their relationship with then-President Donald Trump. Trump and his Republican allies had previously criticized Meta’s fact-checking efforts, accusing them of censoring right-wing voices. Following the announcement of the changes, Trump expressed his approval of Zuckerberg’s decision, stating that Meta had made significant progress.

Subsequently, Meta reached a legal settlement that involves a payment of approximately $25 million.

Reflecting on ‘The Social Network’

Eisenberg also reflected on his experience portraying Zuckerberg in The Social Network. Ideally, he would have preferred to meet Zuckerberg before filming began. He even considered driving to Facebook’s headquarters in Menlo Park to request a meeting, but was advised against it by the film’s producers and Sony’s lawyers due to legal concerns.

Eisenberg’s Perspective on Power and Responsibility

Eisenberg contrasted Zuckerberg’s actions with the values he holds, particularly regarding the use of power to help others. He questioned why individuals with immense wealth wouldn’t use it to support worthwhile causes and why they would remove protections for marginalized groups on their platforms.

Recent Projects

Eisenberg has received critical acclaim for his work as a writer, director, and actor in the film A Real Pain, which explores the story of two cousins who travel to Poland to visit Holocaust sites. His screenplay for the film recently earned him an Oscar nomination, adding to his previous nomination for his portrayal of Zuckerberg in The Social Network.