Do social media 'friend recommendations' truly expand our friend circles?
Oct 11, 2023
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Technology expert Li Yi and co-host Heyang discuss the effects of social media 'friend recommendations' on expanding our social circles, including privacy concerns and lack of user choice. They also explore the influence of friend recommendations on user engagement and the potential benefits of connecting with like-minded individuals. The podcast touches on quirky profile pictures as a form of silent protest and explores how profile photos have evolved in communication platforms, particularly in China.
Friend recommendations on social media can both expand friend circles and lead to discomfort and privacy concerns.
Using quirky profile photos on social media can convey a desire to avoid interactions, but maintaining trustworthiness is important.
Deep dives
Friend recommendations on social media
The podcast discusses the role of friend recommendations on social media platforms and the divergence between user preferences in selecting friends online versus in face-to-face interactions. It explores the concerns about privacy and the discomfort of constantly receiving friend suggestions. It also highlights the potential benefits of connecting with new people who share similar interests or values.
The trend of discouraging profile pictures
The podcast explores the emerging trend of using quirky profile pictures that actively discourage communication on social networking apps. These profile pictures are characterized by rough aesthetics and send subtle messages to employers and colleagues, indicating a desire to avoid interactions and additional responsibilities. The importance of finding the right balance between presenting a negative message and preserving trustworthiness is discussed.
Balancing privacy and personalized recommendations
The podcast delves into the delicate balance between safeguarding privacy and receiving tailored recommendations on social media platforms. It discusses the appeal of personalized experiences and the potential trade-off of privacy. The role of regulators in protecting user interests and the challenges faced in finding the right balance between regulation and technological growth are also touched upon.
Recommendation Systems are used to suggest things to users, from things to buy, songs to listen to, and even strangers we could befriend. Do social media 'friend recommendations' truly expand our friend circles? / Quirky profile photos show work moods (20:21). On the show: Heyang, Li Yi & Josh Cotterill
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