Apple News In Conversation Social media was supposed to be a force for good. What happened?
10 snips
Jan 30, 2025 
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.
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Social Media's True Problem
- Social media’s problems stem from humans being adapted for social interaction within a limited physical world.
- The influx of unlimited online connections leads to impulsivity and judgment rather than understanding.
The Initial Promise of Social Media
- Early social media offered a curated experience, with users choosing what they viewed from friends' profiles.
- This fostered a sense of fun and extended normal sociality unlike the algorithmically driven feeds of today.
Efficiency vs. Nuance
- Features like the newsfeed, like button, and retweet prioritized efficiency over nuanced human interaction.
- Removing friction from these interactions hinders judgment and thoughtful interpretation.
