I have mixed feelings about Zuckerberg, his apology, and his legacy

I just watched the video of the Senate hearing, and it was more dramatic than I expected when I first read the headlines about Zuckerberg’s apology to families over social media harm. Watch it if you have five minutes:

Putting aside the very serious substance of the hearing, I found the exchange both overwhelming and underwhelming. It’s dramatic and fiery on the one hand; the Senator appears passionate in his attack, which Zuckerberg cannot deflect. Zuck’s meaningless mumbling only strengthens the Senator’s position. However, due to this dynamic — Zuckerberg’s weak and offputting replies that make him, for once, appear helpless — I also have doubts about the Senator’s genuineness. Perhaps he’s just enjoying his short-lasting power over the billionaire.

If you read my writing, you may remember how often I side with successful people. Or put it this way — I get triggered by mediocre people who attack successful people for being lucky, evil, or dumb. I think the extraordinary success achieved by the world’s wealthiest people isn’t luck. There is much hard work, perseverance, and sacrifice that 99.99% are incapable of, even if they were provided with favorable starting conditions. Also, people enjoy the benefits…