"If you’ve ever wondered how social media is changing our society, we’re finally seeing a debate that’s not just a bunch of hot takes. Professors from the world’s leading universities are now weighing in, taking into account a vast body of studies to draw conclusions about the actual impact of Twitter, Facebook, TikTok, etc. on the way we live."

#socialmedia #twitter #facebook #tiktok

https://getpocket.com/collections/is-social-media-making-us-stupid?utm_source=pocket-newtab

@jaysonmassey *spoiler* it has negative effects...😀

@obi Is it? You could say the same thing about lots of things. Flashmobs for example.

"Flashmobs first gained popularity with their synchronized dancing, mega-pillow fights, and the like. It now appears that the thugs have interjected their own version of flash mobs: large roving bands of predators hunting their next prey."

https://www.policemag.com/373865/when-crowds-turn-into-violent-mobs

@jaysonmassey Interesting. So like all systems, with growth over time they all devolve negatively. Is this due to exploitation during growth?

@obi I had to think about that question. It's not one that I would be an expert in, I'm sure there are better people to ask!

@obi I think I have an answer, but it's very incomplete. Human systems fail due to lack of empathy.

Hubris (it's always been that way) and selfishness (what's the most that I can get out of this) are two powerful symptoms of a failing human system.

One other is lack of accountability, like robbing graves in ancient Egypt.

Another is too much accountability, that would be authoritarianism, like Iran.

I was thinking less about the Internet and more about the fall of Rome or Egypt. It still applies though. Remember MySpace? Total hubris.