The Global Story Is social media dead?
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Nov 11, 2025 
Kyle Chayka, a staff writer for The New Yorker, dives into the evolution of social media and its uncertain future. He reflects on how platforms like MySpace and Tumblr shaped early online identities and community. Chayka discusses the impact of algorithms and the shift toward corporate control, emphasizing the rise of influencers and AI-generated content. He addresses concerns about trust and authenticity in a digital age dominated by bots and predictions of a more creator-centric model. The conversation challenges listeners to rethink their social media experiences.
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Finding Love On Early Facebook
- Kyle Chayka discovered his now-wife on pre-college Facebook in an accepted-students group in 2005.
- He recalls early social media felt intimate because you knew who you were connecting with.
Tweeting Led To A Real-World Confrontation
- In 2011 Kyle live-tweeted a performance he disliked and the artists confronted him afterward.
- That moment showed him online posts can have immediate real-world consequences.
Consolidation Shifted Social Media's Shape
- Facebook's acquisitions signaled consolidation that turned social networks into corporate-controlled spaces.
- Algorithmic feeds then centralized attention, favoring influencers and broadcast-style content.