The Gray Area with Sean Illing The end of social media
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Dec 1, 2022 
Ian Bogost, a technology writer and professor, dives into the chaotic transformation of social media, particularly under Elon Musk's leadership at Twitter. They explore the alarming shift from genuine connections to a superficial broadcast culture. The discussion includes the duality of social media’s impact on relationships and public discourse, the rise of influencer culture, and the societal challenges posed by digital connectivity. Lastly, they contemplate whether platforms like Twitter should be treated as public utilities, calling for a collective rethink on social media use.
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Early Facebook vs. Now
- Sean Illing recalls the magical feeling of early Facebook connecting with friends.
- Now, it's a demoralizing hellscape of conspiracies and narcissism.
Musk's Chaotic Truth
- Elon Musk's chaotic Twitter takeover reveals a truth about social media's inherent senselessness.
- Musk's impulsive actions mirror the impulsive nature of social media itself.
Social Networks vs. Social Media
- Social networks were for connecting with existing contacts; social media is for broadcasting to vast audiences.
- The shift incentivizes engagement and content production, turning platforms into attention-grabbing leviathans.
