Social media was supposed to be a force for good. What happened?
Jan 30, 2025
auto_awesome
Nicholas Carr, an acclaimed author known for works like 'Superbloom' and 'The Shallows,' dives deep into the shifting landscape of social media. He discusses how platforms went from fostering genuine connections to prioritizing profit and engagement over meaningful interactions. The conversation highlights TikTok's algorithmic influence on user behavior, the rise of AI-generated content, and the implications of potential bans on platforms. Carr emphasizes the need for personal agency to navigate these complexities and restore thoughtful engagement with technology.
The initial promise of social media to enhance communication has deteriorated as algorithms now prioritize speed and superficial engagement over meaningful connections.
Despite growing concerns about social media's negative impacts, individuals remain drawn to its convenience, potentially hindering efforts for meaningful change in digital interaction.
Deep dives
The Impact of Social Media on Human Connection
Social media was initially designed to enhance communication and connection among individuals, allowing them to choose what they viewed and how they interacted. However, over time, this control shifted as platforms like Facebook and Twitter transformed into algorithm-driven systems that prioritize efficiency and speed over meaningful interactions. This transition has created an environment where impulsivity and judgment often overshadow deep understanding and thoughtful discourse. As a result, rather than fostering genuine relationships, social media frequently triggers negative social traits, leading to a culture of quick reactions and superficial engagement.
Algorithmic Challenges and Information Overload
The introduction of algorithmic features in social media, like Facebook's newsfeed and Twitter's retweet button, dramatically changed how users consume information, favoring speed and efficiency. This shift has diminished the opportunities for users to critically evaluate the content they encounter, as algorithms prioritize trends and immediate engagement rather than nuanced understanding. For instance, the ease of sharing content through a single button removes the friction that once encouraged users to reflect before disseminating information. Consequently, users often find themselves overwhelmed with a constant influx of shallow information, leading to a decrease in their capacity for deep thinking and analysis.
The Future of Social Media and Personal Agency
While concerns about social media's impact on society are growing, there remains a paradox: despite acknowledging these issues, individuals continue to engage with these platforms drawn by their convenience and appeal. The entrenched nature of these technologies suggests that mere adjustments or regulatory actions may not effectively address the underlying problems. Instead, a potential counterculture may emerge, led by younger generations who could reject the current digital norms, seeking alternatives that prioritize personal interactions over mediated ones. Ultimately, individuals hold the power to redefine their engagement with technology through intentional choices that embrace deeper, more meaningful forms of communication.
The social-media grounds are shifting. In recent weeks, there have been major developments at platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Meanwhile, more and more experts are raising alarm bells about the harms of social media on society and our mental health. To understand how we got here and what might come next, Apple News In Conversation host Shumita Basu spoke with Nicholas Carr, author of the book Superbloom: How Technologies of Connection Tear Us Apart, who has been writing about the human consequences of technology for decades.
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode