Social media platforms are shifting towards entertainment and e-commerce, prioritizing content creators and influencers over personal connections.
The future of social media could be shaped by virtual reality (VR) and artificial intelligence (AI), but AI may disrupt social media by blurring the lines between real and artificial identities.
Deep dives
The Rise of TikTok and its Impact on Social Media
TikTok has emerged as a dominant social media platform, particularly among younger audiences, challenging Facebook and Instagram. Other platforms have followed suit, incorporating short video features like YouTube Shorts and Instagram Reels. TikTok has also ventured into e-commerce, enabling creators and small businesses to sell products through the app. However, the adoption of social media as a marketplace has been more successful in Asia compared to Western markets, where trust issues and unfamiliarity hinder its growth.
The Evolution of Social Media Platforms
Social media platforms are shifting towards entertainment and e-commerce, prioritizing content creators and influencers over personal connections. Platforms like Twitter and Meta are facing challenges concerning content moderation, user dissatisfaction, and the rise of alternative platforms like Threads. These new platforms offer a more intimate and community-focused experience, where users can connect with friends and join themed or topic-based groups. However, the future of social media might involve a succession of platforms, each with its own unique appeal and lifespan, as users seek fresh experiences and avoid the downsides of established platforms.
The Uncertain Future of Social Media
The future of social media could be shaped by virtual reality (VR) and artificial intelligence (AI). VR has the potential to transform social media into immersive experiences, as seen in Mark Zuckerberg's vision of the metaverse. Meanwhile, AI-powered chatbots and generative AI technologies could revolutionize user experiences and content creation. However, AI may also disrupt social media by blurring the lines between real and artificial identities. This renders the idea of a unified public sphere vulnerable, potentially driving users towards more closed and vetted communities. The dominance of big tech companies is expected to continue, but social media's evolution remains uncertain.
In the final episode of this Tech Tonic season, FT correspondents weigh in on the trends that will determine the future of social media. From Meta’s Threads to artificial intelligence, we ask how platforms will look and feel in years to come. The FT’s deputy Lex editor, host Elaine Moore, speaks with social media reporter Cristina Criddle, global technology correspondent Tim Bradshaw and San Francisco-based tech reporter Hannah Murphy. Plus, we hear from Evan Henshaw-Plath, one of the creators of Twitter.
Presented by Elaine Moore. Produced by Edwin Lane and Josh Gabert-Doyon, executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Sound design by Breen Turner and Samantha Giovinco. Original music by Metaphor Music. The FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley.