The Evolution of Social Networks into Attention Media Platforms
By
susam
Plain bagel done well. Pleasantly substantive.
Summary
The article critiques the evolution of social networks from genuine social platforms to 'attention media' driven by algorithmic feeds and engagement metrics. It argues that modern platforms prioritize maximizing user attention through addictive features, notifications, and algorithmic content curation rather than facilitating authentic social connections. The author contrasts early social networks where users controlled their feeds with current platforms that manipulate user behavior for commercial gain.
Key quotes
· 5 pulledWhen web-based social networks started flourishing nearly two decades ago, they were genuinely social networks.
Notifications were genuine. The little icons in the top bar would light up because someone had sent you a direct message or engaged with something you had posted.
There was also, at the beginning of this millennium, a general sense of hope and optimism around what these platforms could achieve for human connection.
The fundamental shift happened when platforms realized they could maximize user attention through algorithmic feeds rather than chronological ones.
What we have today are not social networks but attention media—platforms designed to capture and monetize our attention rather than facilitate genuine social interaction.
You might also wanna read
How the clipping economy and algorithms reshaped social media feeds
The article explores how social media feeds have shifted from being driven by user follows and likes to being controlled by opaque algorithm
theverge.com·4d ago
Ed Coper's 'Angertainment' examines how social media algorithms fuel outrage and addiction
Ed Coper's new book "Angertainment" examines how social media algorithms exploit human emotions—particularly anger and outrage—to keep users
theage.com.au·4d ago
How the modern internet ecosystem systematically undermines accurate news and journalism
The article argues that the modern internet ecosystem is fundamentally hostile to accurate news and information, comparing it to a deliberat