4TC’s Post

As we dive deeper into the digital age, the influence of social media algorithms on our daily lives, especially those of teenagers, becomes more apparent. Recent insights reveal a troubling pattern: teenage boys, like Cai, are increasingly exposed to violent and misogynistic content on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Cai, who was just 16 when he noticed a disturbing shift in his social media feeds, went from watching harmless videos of cute dogs to suddenly being bombarded with violent content and extreme views. This experience is not isolated; many teenage boys report similar patterns, where algorithms seem to prioritize engagement over safety, leading to the promotion of harmful content. What’s Driving These Recommendations? Social media platforms, using advanced AI algorithms, recommend content based on user engagement. However, these algorithms don't always distinguish between healthy and harmful content. Instead, they prioritize videos that capture attention—sometimes pushing content that may be violent or inappropriate for younger audiences. Former TikTok analyst Andrew Kaung has raised concerns that despite improvements, teenage boys are still being exposed to these harmful videos. The Gender Divide in Content Recommendations Interestingly, there appears to be a gender divide in the types of content recommended. While teenage girls might see more videos about music or make-up, boys are often shown videos of violence or controversial influencers. This divide isn't necessarily intentional but rather a byproduct of algorithms reinforcing what similar users engage with the most. The Call for Change Cai and many others believe that social media companies need to take more responsibility. They want these platforms to better listen to users, especially when they indicate they don’t want to see certain types of content. Tools that allow users to filter their feeds are often ineffective, leaving many young people exposed to unwanted and potentially harmful material. In response, platforms like TikTok and Meta have claimed to invest heavily in safety measures and content moderation. Yet, many argue that more needs to be done to protect young users from the unintended consequences of algorithm-driven content. Looking Forward: A Balanced Approach to Safety and Engagement The UK is set to introduce a new law that will force social media firms to verify users’ ages and prevent harmful content from reaching young people. As we move forward, it’s crucial for tech companies, regulators, and communities to work together to create a safer digital space for everyone. #SocialMedia #DigitalSafety #ContentModeration #YouthProtection #TechResponsibility #ThesocialTalks

Australia bans social media for minors! As a PhD candidate studying influencers and opinion leaders on social media, I find Australia’s recent move to ban children under 16 from platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook a pivotal moment in digital communication policy. This law invites critical reflection on how governments and tech platforms can collaborate to create safer online environments without compromising the benefits of digital inclusion. Enhanced regulation, transparent algorithms, and educational initiatives might offer alternative paths to achieving the same goals. For researchers like me, this policy shift offers a valuable case study to explore how systemic changes impact digital behaviors, influencer strategies, and public discourse. #SocialMediaResearch #OpinionLeaders #Influencers #DigitalCommunication https://lnkd.in/ejtcXRi8

Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram and TikTok have managed to avoid any accountable for the content posted on their platforms. We can question the interpretation of Section 230, but the science is pretty clear that social media is harming children. The US Surgeon General likened it to "driving with no speed limits." In work with Kunpeng Z. and Morgan Ward, PhD, we've seen that it's not just children who are affected by what they see on social media, but that it also affects the emotions of adults. Since our federal government can't or won't seem to do anything about it, states are stepping up and New York is the latest. But, here's the twist! 💡💡 Instead of outright trying to keep children off of social media entirely, their approach is to change the algorithms that are used. Platforms would not be allowed to rely on targeting algorithms for children, but would instead have to present content based on chronology. If kids are no longer interested in the platforms because of the content they're now seeing, then they will choose to do something else. Will removing the targeting algorithms break the addictive nature of the platforms? Maybe not entirely. But, at least kids won't be pulled down a rabbit hole by the steady diet of content that can lead to depression, isolation and dangerous behaviors. Given the political climate, such a change might benefit people of all ages.

I have recently been intrigued by an article from Kananelo Boloetse on traditional/legacy media vs social media. This has been a very important topic for Mass Media enthusiasts like me without ever elevating it this far. Maybe i should take heed and ventilate. For decades, legacy media—traditional newspapers, TV, and radio—controlled information flow and shaped public agendas through editorial oversight. Networks like CNN, NBC, and Fox News historically directed public discourse by selecting and framing the issues. In the 2024 election, they still highlight key topics like healthcare and the economy. However, their influence is increasingly contested by social media, where candidates and citizens share unfiltered messages, bringing niche issues to light and creating new narratives outside traditional media frameworks. Social media platforms such as X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok have democratized content creation. Politicians now reach voters directly, bypassing traditional gatekeepers. Algorithms amplify this reach, delivering politically charged messaging based on user behavior, which can reinforce biases. For instance, topics like climate change, AI, and LGBTQ+ rights gain traction on social media, shifting the public focus in ways that legacy media sometimes follows. This hybrid media landscape has redefined the agenda-setting process. A viral post on TikTok can push a legacy outlet to cover a story, while a legacy media headline can spark social media debates that reshape its context. During the 2024 election, misinformation rapidly spread on social platforms, challenging traditional media’s efforts to maintain factual discourse. Public trust has become an important factor in this media evolution. Social media’s participatory nature empowers users but also contributes to distrust due to misinformation. Many young voters primarily consume news through social platforms and may view legacy media as biased, while older audiences are more likely to trust established news sources. The competition between social and legacy media will continue to shape the public sphere, with both adapting to a complex digital landscape. Moving forward, legacy media might embrace digital-first engagement strategies, while social media platforms invest in credibility measures. Together, they create a diverse and dynamic public sphere, calling on audiences to engage critically with information in the digital age.

In our increasingly digital world, social media platforms shape the experiences and well-being of their users, especially teenagers. A recent study has revealed concerning findings regarding Instagram's role in the dissemination of self-harm content among this vulnerable demographic. This insightful blog post delves into the implications of these findings, highlighting the critical responsibility of social media companies in fostering a safe online environment for young users. To explore the details of this study and its potential impact, read the full article here: [The Guardian: Instagram actively helping spread of self-harm among teenagers study suggests](https://ift.tt/TWJN3b8).

How Have Social Media Experiences Changed from 2023-2024 In a recent Substack post, Neely’s senior advisor Matt Motyl, Ph.D. delves into the shifting dynamics of social media usage and its impact on user well-being and societal norms between 2023 and 2024. The study, supported by the Neely Social Media Index, provides a comparative look at how engagement with social media platforms has evolved since our initial survey in early 2023, revealing interesting trends such as a 5.8% decrease in YouTube and 2.9% decrease on LinkedIn and X usage among US adults. No platform increased its share of users in this time span. Join the conversation and share your insights! https://lnkd.in/gEmPd32M #NeelyCenter #NeelyIndices #TechEthics #NeelyDesignCode

🚀 Thrilled to share my latest op-ed: 'Trying to ban social media? Try to understand it instead — like we in NJ do'. Let's dive deep into the complexities and potentials of social media together! Read the full piece here: https://lnkd.in/eTRDgBcN #SocialMediaInsights #UnderstandingTech #TikTokBan #SocialMediaEmpowers

"Social media for us is a way to find community, love and acceptance and information online when the world feels like it’s against us. I’ve worked with Black, brown and LGBTQ New Jersey residents my whole career, and for those of us who face discrimination, segregation, and rejection in real life know the truth — social media like TikTok gives us a powerful sense of belonging online that’s hard to find in the day-to-day." So good to read Kareem K.M. Willis, Ph.D. wisdom. Rather than focus on social media bans, we need to interrogate companies and the nefarious business policies and practices they employ to peddle misinformation, racial and gender violence, and extremism under the guise of "free speech" and in service of profit. Digital community spaces are not going anywhere, and our responsibility includes holding decision-makers accountable to focus on the right fight - building safer more generative uses for social media.

Worth a read: "How teenagers navigate the nuances of social media – and what adults can learn from them". https://lnkd.in/eAzRGmMV #onlinesafety #socialmedia #staysafeonline

Facebook is a fantastic marketing tool to reach local customers. All companies should have an active presence. Their advertising rates are very low compared to other platforms out there. We pick target area, gender, age, interests and so much more. #SocialMediaMarketing #DriveBusiness #CompetitiveBusiness #SocialMediaStrategy