Facebook can detect when users as young as 14 are feeling emotions such as defeat, stress, anxiety or are simply overwhelmed, and it is using a sophisticated algorithm to allow advertisers to target them in those moments, the Australian reports.
"Anticipatory emotions are more likely to be expressed early in the week, while reflective emotions increase on the weekend. "Monday-Thursday is about building confidence; the weekend is for broadcasting achievements," the social media network said in a 23-page document seen by The Australian and marked "Confidential: Internal Only."
The file was dated 2017 and outlines how Facebook can target "moments when young people need a confidence boost." It also stated how it was gathering psychological insights on 6.4 million "high schoolers," "tertiary students," and "young Australians and New Zealanders . . . in the workforce."
Facebook said it had opened an investigation to "understand the process failure and improve our oversight. We will undertake disciplinary and other processes as appropriate."
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