The Future Problems of Past Social Networks
Social networks, as they stand today, are not so much the digital utopias that the Silicon Valley aristocracy had promised us. No, they have morphed into something more menacing, with all the subtle charm of a reality TV show, interspersed with Russian propaganda. Ah, and let’s not forget the slice of your grandma’s harmless apple pie memes, stuffed generously with misinformation.
These platforms, built on the utopian idea of connecting people, are now large corporations that relentlessly peddle surveillance capitalism. They’re no longer about “you” or “me,” it’s all about data now, baby! Your privacy is the price you pay for their ‘free’ services. Data — your likes, dislikes, who you argue with, even your love for avocado toast — everything is collected, analysed, and sold to the highest bidder. Your digital avatar is in the hands of advertisers, leading to the systemic commoditization of privacy. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, the entire glamourous mob — they’re all complicit in this data-flogging bonanza.
Here’s a heavier blow — these platforms foster and monetize outrage. Their algorithmic kitchens cook up a recipe that feeds on our emotions and biases, dishing out content that makes us click, engage, and stay glued. It’s an emotional fast food joint, serving rage and bias confirmation on a plate. The more we engage, the more ad revenue they generate. It’s no surprise that we’re increasingly polarised, the public discourse degrades, and our societies stand fragmented.
The digital giants also crush competition with an iron fist. Remember the ‘innovative’ Instagram Stories? Well, Snapchat might have a few words about that. These behemoths copy, acquire, or undermine any potential competitors. It’s the digital version of ‘Survival of the fittest’, but the fittest here are those with the deepest pockets.
And, let’s address the elephant in the room — misinformation. From election interference to anti-vax propaganda, social networks have become super-spreaders of falsehoods. Instead of being the lighthouses of truth in the digital fog, they’ve turned into murky swamps of fake news. The onus of this grim reality lies, in part, on the unregulated structure of these platforms that allows almost anyone to be a publisher without stringent fact-checking.
To wrap up, social networks have serious flaws — privacy invasion, fostering outrage, stifling competition, and spreading misinformation. Don’t get me wrong, they have their merits too. They help us connect with people, voice our opinions, even launch social movements. But until we address these critical flaws, the scales will always be tipped towards harm. And that’s not a world any of us signed up for. As consumers, as citizens, we deserve better. It’s high time for some good ol’ fashioned disruption!
