Yes, Social Media Is a Cause of the Epidemic of Teenage Mental Illness

Re:Yes, Social Media Is a Cause of the Epidemic of Teenage M... by z3c0 on Wednesday April 10, 2024 @08:08AM (#39989783)

I see the "town square" analogy used a lot, but it's ignoring the actual purpose: it's an advertising platform, run by advertisers for advertisers. The presumed function of communication (something it certainly was started for) is purely for keeping the attention of users to sell to advertisers.

As a town square, it's more akin to Times Square.

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Re:Yes, Social Media Is a Cause of the Epidemic of Teenage M... by 2OEH8eoCRo0 on Wednesday April 10, 2024 @09:18AM (#39990385)

I dislike the town square analogy as well. What town square requires membership and provides anonymity? What town square do people routinely share dissenting opinions? The fact people feel free enough to routinely share dissent on these platforms shows that it's the opposite of a town square. The very act of sharing dissent in the town square used to be provocative in itself. What's provocative about grieving on Twitter?

The town square analogy couldn't be further from reality.

[ Parent | on HN ]