[freshtake]

The problem is that our thoughts, opinions, and ultimately actions are the product of our exposure. Social media gives a small number of companies (and their algorithms) unparalleled and unchecked control over our exposure.

We should be educating children at a young age about the benefits and risks of social media. We haven't adapted the way we educate society in light of massive tech changes.

This will likely be a topic that future humans look back on and wonder why we did this to ourselves.

[lumost]

Is the media even “social” anymore? How much of Reddit is simply bots generating catchy takes and then generating commentary on these takes. You can easily be deceived into thinking that a vast number of people believe something, or think the way you do, or think the way you do but were swayed by some thought process.

Repeat the process long enough and with enough variation and tuning and anyone can be made to believe anything.

[SapporoChris]

I do not believe it.

[adrr]

People have stopped reading the news and rely on social media as their main news source. Thats the scariest thing.

[moduspol]

At the same time, "reading the news" has become less and less valuable. And social media has an overwhelming impact on the tone and content of "the news," too.

[topspin]

> Thats the scariest thing.

Written "news" is frequently a report about a series of X posts by various authorities, thought leaders and celebrities, embedded directly in the story.

Square that circle.