During my childhood, access to information was limited. Our sources were limited to a few television channels, radio, newspapers, magazines, and local and school libraries.
From a business standpoint, companies generated revenue through advertising or book sales. While much of that remains unchanged, the advent of the internet has brought about significant changes.
The internet, like any resource, media, or tool, can be used to convey truth, falsehoods, and misinformation. This has not changed from traditional media models, the main difference is that almost anything on the internet is instantly available.
The commercial model for media has evolved from purchasing magazines, books, or newspapers to capturing people’s attention on online platforms. By doing so, these platforms can serve advertisements. This concept has now extendedto social media.
Social media provides the perfect model, as companies don’t need to create the content themselves. The content is generated by the users.
This model enables the promotion and proliferation of ideas and ideologies, whether factual or based on conspiracies. It influences people’s worldviews.
While dangerous ideas have been promoted in the past, the internet has turned them into a volatile environment, allowing them to flourish and grow. One notable impact of this is evident in the events that took place during the raid on Washington DC.
Social media platforms make individuals feel important and special by rewarding them with likes and comments from other users. This creates a snowball effect where misinformation feeds on itself, leading to deep and dangerous conspiracies.
The Christian right has undergone a shift towards greater radicalism, moving away from promoting life and acceptance and embracing division and hate.
Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, and even LinkedIn all benefit from this formula, generating substantial revenue.
Ultimately, these platforms steal your time and your life. I, too, am guilty of this and have taken steps to quit Facebook and reduce my usage of other platforms.
In life, our most valuable asset is time. It is crucial to use it wisely.
