In this Monday table talk, there was a frequent back and forth between two conflicting sides on whether or not our “likes” on social media really matter, and whether or not engaging in social media is considered “labor” or not. After hearing both sides of the argument, I have come to the conclusion that both sides are right in their own ways.

Our likes on social media do allow for machine learning algorithms to correctly classify and tailor our advertisement preferences. This can be argued as a breach of privacy, and can be seen as a method of controlling the general population in a way where we don’t truly get to make our own decisions.

On the other end, in the grand scheme of things, these advertisements are there for a reason. Although it may seem as if social media platforms are exploiting its members to make a profit for themselves, we cannot forget how they are still businesses that need to sustain themselves, and that many members are aware of the fact that these platforms may be taking in advertising revenue.