Social media has evolved, with algorithms now controlling what we see, when we see it, and for how long. Dive in to understand how this shift impacts us.
Short-form content fuels passive consumption, affecting attention and focus, especially in youth.Co-authored by Nigel Bairstow, Ph.D., and Jeremy Neofytos, Research Assistanthas shifted dramatically, moving away from the early ideals of user-led connection toward platforms that increasingly control users' digital lives. Originally, social media was designed to allow people to stay connected with friends, share their experiences, and engage in discussions they cared about.
One major move in social media has been the algorithmic feed, which has replaced the simple chronological timeline many platforms once used. Initially, users could control their feeds by choosing whom to follow, with posts from these connections appearing in real-time order. This empowered users, allowing them to shape their social media experience based on personal preferences and relationships.
The shift in social media platforms from user-led spaces to algorithmically curated ones has changed the customer experience from one of autonomy and connection to something more akin to an addictive cycle. By continuously presenting users with a carefully selected flow of trending or popular content, social media mimics the characteristics of an addictive substance, pulling users back into a loop of passive consumption.
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