CARELESS PEOPLE: A Cautionary Tale of Power, Greed, and Lost Idealism by Sarah Wynn Williams

Sarah Wynn-Williams‘ “Careless People” is a scathing insider memoir that unveils the toxic inner workings of Facebook (now Meta) during a crucial period of global influence. As a former director of global public policy, Wynn-Williams exposes the reckless leadership, ethical compromises, and disturbing personal encounters that characterized the company’s ascent. Through her darkly humorous and emotionally charged narrative, she draws parallels between the company’s top executives and the infamous “careless people” of The Great Gatsby, portraying a culture where personal ambition triumphed over public responsibility.

Key Points & Highlights

Author’s Background & Idealism

• Wynn-Williams was a former diplomat from New Zealand.
• Joined Facebook in 2011, driven by the belief that it was a revolutionary political tool.
• Saw it as a means to promote human rights and stay connected globally.
• Pitched herself to Facebook and was eventually hired after months of persistence.

Shift from Idealism to Disillusionment

• Realized over time that her initial optimism was misplaced.
• Described her departure from Facebook as “a quick euthanasia” after feeling emotionally and professionally drained.

Key Figures: Mark Zuckerberg & Sheryl Sandberg

Mark Zuckerberg

• Initially engineering-focused, later obsessed with politics and influence.
• Wanted to be adored publicly — asked to be “gently mobbed” during visits abroad.
• Admired controversial historical figures like Andrew Jackson.
• Gradually centralized decision-making: “Facebook is an autocracy of one.”

Sheryl Sandberg

• At first admired for her Lean In feminism.
• Later revealed to be manipulative and performative.
• Eccentric and boundary-pushing behavior, including extravagant personal requests and inappropriate conduct on private flights.

Joel Kaplan’s Conduct

• Former Marine, Bush administration official, and Sandberg’s ex-boyfriend.
• Wynn-Williams’ manager and source of discomfort.
• Allegedly behaved inappropriately, both verbally and physically.
• Pressured her during maternity leave despite serious health complications.
• Internal investigation cleared him of wrongdoing.

Ethical Lapses and Global Failures

U.S. 2016 Election

• Facebook embedded employees in the Trump campaign, aiding micro-targeting and spreading inflammatory content.
• Clinton campaign declined similar assistance.

Myanmar Crisis

• Platform used to incite violence against the Rohingya minority.
• Facebook’s moderation efforts were insufficient — relied on one Burmese-speaking contractor.
• Delayed and under-resourced response led to real-world violence.

Facebook’s Push into China (Project “Aldrin”)

• Attempted complex arrangements to enter Chinese markets, including censorship concessions.
• Zuckerberg provided evasive, misleading testimony to Congress regarding plans in China.
• Wynn-Williams asserts that he outright lied to protect the company’s interests.

Whistleblower Action & Reflections

• Wynn-Williams filed a complaint with the U.S. SEC.
• Moved on to AI policy work.
• Uses memoir to expose abuses, highlight unchecked power, and reflect on impermanence in leadership — except Zuckerberg’s seemingly unending reign.