The transition from early social networking systems, where individuals had personal pages with no newsfeed or virality, to modern social media platforms with like and retweet buttons led by algorithms has changed the online experience. Originally aimed at connecting people, social media platforms now prioritize engagement with viral content over personal connections, impacting the way individuals interact online. The introduction of the front-facing camera in 2010 further fueled the shift towards performative online behavior, especially concerning children.
This week, the U.S. Department of Justice sued Apple, saying the company holds a monopoly over the smartphone market. We break down the lawsuit and ask whether it will be a major turning point in Apple’s dominance. Then, Jonathan Haidt, a social psychologist, argues that smartphones and social media are the cause of widespread increases in mental health issues among young people. He tells us his four potential solutions to the problem. And finally, Reddit’s market capitalization hit $9.2 billion when it debuted on the New York Stock Exchange this week, but the company still isn’t making money. We talk about the challenges Reddit faces as it goes public, and how the site may change as a result.
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