Social Networks in the Age of Digital & Social Media
Social Networks and Human Communication
Social media titans have transformed their platforms into lively interactive hubs of social communities and fandoms. The spread of information on social media is rapid, and misinformation spreads faster than regular content. What has been largely controversial although are the embedded algorithms within media platforms that personalize content to based audiences based on demographics, likes, comments, followers, and other highly personal yet equitable personal information.
Facebook, for example, creates filter bubbles where individuals in digital communities are suggested and presented with the repetitive similar content that just regurgitates past humor, ideological content, personal biases, political leanings, etc. Although this helps subcommunities find individuals that align with their interests, it constrains these individuals personas and identities to digital platforms; gradually, these filter bubbles cause their humor, content, media is intertwined to the point of tastelessness. This affects social networks because these communities can be infiltrated with misinformation through content like memes, community chat domains, artificial comments and likes, etc. Much of this content can be manipulated to the extent where viewers aren’t able to recognize malicious content vs pure content.
Media is usually a trusted source for information and news, however misinformation can easily spread in mass digital communities who count on these platforms for entertainment, satisfaction, knowledge, social interaction and facilitation. To combat these negative effects of media, stronger legal objection and regulation must be brought forth. Additionally, current legislation can be amended to address these problems.