FT Tech Tonic

Peak social media: The future

Aug 1, 2023

FT correspondents discuss the future of social media, including the transformation of platforms into shopping malls, the rise of TikTok and professional content creators, the cycle of new social media platforms, emerging trends like virtual reality and AI, the influence of AI and the metaverse, and the evolution of social media from simple photo sharing to fragmented platforms.

21:17

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Quick takeaways

Social media platforms are transforming into marketplaces, leading to a decrease in authentic interactions and a rise in professional content creators.

Community-led platforms are growing in popularity as users seek smaller networks that foster genuine connections and conversations among individuals.

Deep dives

The Shift from Social to Shopping on Social Media Platforms

Social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok have transformed into marketplaces and shopping malls. This has led to a decrease in authentic interactions and a rise in professional content creators. TikTok, especially, has become a dominant app, challenging Facebook and Instagram. These platforms now focus on generating revenue through advertising and e-commerce. TikTok has even introduced a marketplace feature, allowing users to buy products directly on the app. However, the adoption of social media as a marketplace has been slower in Western markets compared to Asia, where live streaming and purchasing products through social media is more common.

Introduction

2min

The Evolution of Social Media Platforms

9min

The Cycle of New Social Media Platforms and the Future of Social Media

2min

Emerging Trends in Social Media

2min

The Future of Social Media Platforms and the Influence of AI

6min

The Evolution of Social Media and Its Current State

3min

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.

Further reading (free to read) on FT.com:

Cristina Criddle: TikTok reshapes ecommerce unit in bid to crack western markets

Cristina Criddle: TikTok prepares ‘Project S’ plan to break into online shopping

Tim Bradshaw: Meta’s Threads is a throwback to the giddy early days of Twitter

Hannah Murphy: Meta to release commercial AI model in effort to catch rivals

Hannah Murphy: Linda Yaccarino’s vision for Twitter 2.0 emerges

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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