Chamath Palihapitiya eases back on earlier Facebook criticism, saying it 'is a force for good'

Chamath Palihapitiya clarified his recent critical comments about social media, and is now praising his former employer, Facebook, after a pointed exchange.

"My comments were meant to start an important conversation, not to criticize one company — particularly one I love," Palihapitiya wrote in a Facebook post Friday.

The former Facebook executive's comments — including that and — drew a earlier this week saying the company has grown since Palihapitiya last worked there six years ago.

"Facebook has made tremendous strides in coming to terms with its unforeseen influence and, more so than any of its peers, the team there has taken real steps to course correct," Palihapitiya said.

Here's Palihapitiya's full statement: