I was interviewed on Times Radio this morning as a social media expert talking about the IPPR report claiming social media has become “anti-social.”
I disagree.
Social media isn’t less social. It’s just social in different places now.
The feed has moved from people you know to content you’re interested in. That’s not a tragedy is it? It’s just the algorithm doing exactly what it’s designed to do… honestly?
I prefer it. You’re not scrolling past your mate’s lunch anymore. You’re seeing content you actually want to watch.
The real social stuff? It moved. Group chats, DMs, private communities. We can’t measure it, that’s dark social but it’s happening more than ever.
Also, everyday users just post less than they used to. So of course there’s less friend content in the feed. Less goes in, less comes out.
My bigger point? Maybe we all just need to get outside and touch some grass. We’re spending a lot of time watching what strangers are doing online and calling it connection.
The BBC want to build a public service social platform. 🤣
Interesting idea. But people go where the content is good. That’s a very hard problem to solve. Also who wants a state policed social network? That’s worse than any algorithm eh?
Social media hasn’t become anti-social. It’s become interest-based!!
And real socialising? It’s just somewhere you can’t see it.
Thoughts?
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Ps: This is me, I took the assignment from a mini break gorgeous Italy! 🇮🇹 and now on way home.