It is alleged that social media fuels polarization, exploits human weaknesses and insecurities, and creates echo chambers where everyone gets their own slice of reality, eroding the public sphere and the understanding of common facts. And, worse still, this is all done intentionally in a relentless pursuit of profit.
exploring the inner workings and dynamics of companies building products engineered to hook us, addict us, and hijack our attention to sell more ad inventory
Want to learn how to get gunk off a frying pan with this quick tip? Want to hear my trauma story? Want to see a dog taking care of a baby squirrel? Not into that? How about interior design tips? Ah, you liked that! Check this boho-chic transformation of an Ikea table. Here’s a couple designing a tiny-house. Here’s how to create a lamp out of a... See more
Part of the reason social media has felt even more “flattening” to one’s identity
Is because social media has shown its benefit towards economic mobility
You can’t sell 50 things. You gotta sell 1, really well. And when that “widget” is the self -> you gotta package it neatly
Once upon a time, the Internet was predicated on user-generated content. The hope was that ordinary people would take advantage of the Web’s low barrier for publishing to post great things, motivated simply by the joy of open communication. But then ad sales came into play.
That business model is still what most of the Internet relies on today.... See more