# "Haken Dran": The c't Social Media Update In this podcast format, moderator Gavin Karlmeier and his guest Lorenz Mayer (described as "opinion veteran, internet veteran, journalism veteran") discuss current developments in the world of social media. The episode covers several topics with a focus on the metaverse, AI-generated advertising, and regulatory issues. ### 1. Meta plans to use fully AI-generated advertising by 2026 Meta intends, according to internal company documents, to completely hand over the creation of advertising to AI by the end of 2026. A new tool is to be developed, where advertisers will only have to enter their goal, while AI will automatically create videos, texts, and call-to-actions. "Meta has announced that it wants to enable companies to create and place ads entirely with the help of AI by the end of 2026." This could, according to the discussion, threaten the "middle management" of advertising agencies, as human creative work would be eliminated: "But it dehumanizes the whole process even further. Advertising will then have nothing to do with people sitting somewhere thinking about how to trigger emotions..." ### 2. Meta wants to conduct risk assessments only through AI Meta plans to have all risk assessments reviewed only by AI, without human control. This applies to AI security, youth protection, algorithm changes, and new features. "Product teams fill out a questionnaire and receive an immediate decision from an AI system. This identifies risk areas and defines requirements that must be met before launch. The development teams are then responsible for confirming that they have implemented these guidelines." ### 3. US Senator Marco Rubio threatens to ban entry for supporters of "online censorship" American Senator Marco Rubio has announced that he will deny entry to individuals who advocate for the enforcement of laws like DSA and DMA in Europe. "If you are someone who advocates for the enforcement of laws in Europe, for DSA, DMA, then it may be that you are no longer allowed to enter the USA because you are violating the principle of freedom of opinion, because you have tried to censor Americans." ### 4. Over 50% of popular TikTok videos on mental health contained misinformation An investigation by The Guardian found that more than half of the most popular TikTok videos with the hashtag #MentalHealthTips spread false information. "The Guardian looked at 100 of the most popular TikToks with the hashtag MentalHealthTips. The result was that 52 of them contained false information." ## Breakdown The "Haken Dran" podcast presents a critical perspective on current developments at tech companies, with Meta being particularly in focus. The speakers use an informal, accessible style that combines sociocritical content with personal assessments. The discussion about Meta's AI plans highlights the tension between technological efficiency and human control – particularly worrying is the outsourcing of ethical decisions to AI systems without human supervision. The moderators establish clear connections between technology development and social impacts, such as Meta's connections to the military. A clearly critical position is taken against the increasing commercialization and automation of digital spaces. The report on Marco Rubio's alleged entry ban for supporters of European digital regulation shows the geopolitical dimension of digital governance, but lacks a deeper analysis of this disturbing development. Although the podcast does not offer an in-depth analysis of the power structures behind the discussed trends, questions about data protection, digital sovereignty, and the future of creative work are addressed. The casual conversation atmosphere makes complex digital policy issues accessible, while the moderators' personal perspectives ensure authenticity. A listening recommendation for everyone looking for an entertaining yet critical view of current social media developments.