Social Media Has Become an Information Network: But It Wasn’t Designed for It
Update needed: comming soon
the old version is too radical and blaming. i guess i need to grow a little and see the positive sides and leverage those to build a better system. blaming is easy. building is hard. however the fundamental believe stays the same, we should have more decentralised information network and using tools to improve content quality, and find alternatives for the algorithm. We need to build a new designed information network, with social interaction tools, fostering discussions and decision making.
Old Version here 👇🏾 (Old title: The rise of video driven content: A threat to society)
In recent years, the landscape of social media has shifted dramatically. From text-based interactions and insightful conversations, we’ve moved towards video-driven platforms where quick, flashy content dominates. The algorithms designed to maximize engagement now prioritize entertainment and sensationalism over meaningful information. As a result, we’ve entered what can be described as a “bullshit era”—where the goal isn’t to educate or expand consciousness but to keep people busy consuming superficial content.
This shift isn’t just harmless entertainment. It’s a deeply concerning trend that poses a real risk to society and even to the future of humanity.
The Social Media Colosseum: Modern Manipulation of the Masses
If we look back at history, there’s an eerie parallel between today’s social media environment and the gladiator fights of ancient Rome. Just as the Roman Colosseum provided a distraction for the masses, today’s endless stream of video content keeps people entertained and disengaged from the issues that truly matter. In a world where attention is currency, this content is designed to generate profit, not foster understanding.
The Danger: A Society Deprived of Critical Thinking
The problem isn’t just that people are wasting their time. The real danger lies in the degradation of critical thinking. The more time we spend passively consuming shallow content, the less we engage in deep reflection, meaningful conversations, and the search for truth. Social media, as it currently stands, is making it easier to manipulate society as a whole. And this manipulation is happening on a global scale.
What’s worse, misinformation spreads faster and wider on these platforms than ever before. As a result, the ability to influence opinions, elections, and even ideologies is now in the hands of those who control the algorithms. Without realizing it, we’ve become puppets in a system designed not for truth but for profit.
Digital Identities and Accountability
One of the key issues with today’s social media is the lack of accountability. Anonymity and the rise of AI agents have made it easy for individuals and organizations to spread false information without consequences. To counter this, we need to implement digital identities that tie online actions to real-world consequences.
Furthermore, there must be a cost involved in making false or misleading statements. Whether through financial penalties or reputational damage, users should be held accountable for the information they share. This would help create a system where truth and accuracy are prioritized over sensationalism.
AI as a Tool for Truth
Artificial intelligence has been at the heart of the problem, but it can also be part of the solution. We need AI to support our efforts in detecting misinformation, analyzing data for accuracy, and promoting fact-checked content. A data-backed approach, driven by AI, can help us shift social media from a platform of manipulation to a tool for truth.
A European Approach to Social Media: Independence and Collaboration
To make this vision a reality, Europe must take the lead in creating its own social media platforms—systems that prioritize freedom of speech while also ensuring accountability. While collaboration with the United States and Asian countries remains important, Europe must build its own systems to maintain its independence and cultural relevance in the digital age.
The goal isn’t to isolate ourselves from global platforms, but to ensure that our societies remain meaningful and informed. By building a social media platform rooted in European values, we can create a space for genuine communication, critical thinking, and the expansion of human consciousness.
Conclusion: A Call for Action
We find ourselves at a crossroads. The current trajectory of social media is leading us toward a future where truth is harder to find, critical thinking is rare, and manipulation is the norm. But it doesn’t have to be this way. With education, accountability, and the right use of AI, we can reshape social media into a tool that helps humanity evolve rather than devolve.
Europe, in particular, has an opportunity to lead this change, creating platforms that respect freedom of speech while protecting against the dangers of misinformation. The time for action is now—before it’s too late to reverse the damage.
It’s time to demand better. It’s time to build a social media system that serves the people, not the algorithms.