Marketplace Tech The rise of the "Splinternet"
11 snips
May 12, 2025 
Amy Webb, founder and CEO of the Future Today Strategy Group, dives into the fascinating concept of the 'Splinternet'. She explores how public discourse has shifted from social media to private chats among influential figures, raising concerns over transparency and engagement. Webb discusses the fragmented online landscape, the challenges of seeking truth amidst diverse platforms, and the rise of encrypted communication preferences. She also touches on the future of social media, contemplating a transition towards AI-driven interactions.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Social Media Has Splintered
- Social media platforms have fragmented into many networks, each with unique audiences and algorithms.
- This splintering makes finding both audiences and truth online more challenging.
Mourning Twitter's Lost Community
- Amy Webb experienced a personal mourning as the original Twitter community she engaged with dissipated.
- Algorithmic changes in social media made public discourse much harder to participate in.
Social Media Mirrors Political Splits
- Social media platforms now reflect ideological splintering and political differences, mirroring private group chat reorganizations.
- The original promise of social media as a marketplace of ideas remains, but information moves fast and people often seek echo chambers.