In the early 2000s, if you wanted to know what was happening in the world, you went to a destination. You typed a specific URL into a browser, or you sat down at a specific time to watch a broadcast. The "news" was a place you visited.
In the early 2000s, if you wanted to know what was happening in the world, you went to a destination. You typed a specific URL into a browser, or you sat down at a specific time to watch a broadcast. The "news" was a place you visited.
In the early 2000s, if you wanted to know what was happening in the world, you went to a destination. You typed a specific URL into a browser, or you sat down at a specific time to watch a broadcast. The "news" was a place you visited.
Today, the news is something that finds you.
Today, the news is something that finds you.
Imagine walking into a library where the librarians are constantly rearranging the shelves as you walk past them. If you linger near a book about space, the entire history section is replaced with astronomy. If you frown at a book about a certain politician, the library hides every book that mentions them favorably. You don't get to choose what to read, the library chooses for you.
Imagine walking into a library where the librarians are constantly rearranging the shelves as you walk past them. If you linger near a book about space, the entire history section is replaced with astronomy. If you frown at a book about a certain politician, the library hides every book that mentions them favorably. You don't get to choose what to read, the library chooses for you.
*hover over a book in a bookshelf*
Select a book and see how your environment changes.
(to deselect click anywhere on the carpet)
For a huge portion of the world, this "library" is a social media feed. It’s no longer just a place to see what friends are doing; it is the primary lens through which billions of people understand reality.
For a huge portion of the world, this "library" is a social media feed. It’s no longer just a place to see what friends are doing; it is the primary lens through which billions of people understand reality.
According to the Reuters Institute Digital News Report (2024), the way we consume information has hit a tipping point:
For the first time, more people globally (roughly 48%) say they prefer to access news via social media or search engines rather than going directly to a news website or app.
In 2014, Facebook was the dominant news source. Today, news consumption is fragmented across "video-first" platforms. On TikTok, news consumption has grown from 3% in 2020 to 13% in 2024.
In markets across Southeast Asia and Latin America, social media isn't just a source; for over 70% of users, it is the only way they access digital news.
According to the Reuters Institute Digital News Report (2024), the way we consume information has hit a tipping point:
For the first time, more people globally (roughly 48%) say they prefer to access news via social media or search engines rather than going directly to a news website or app.
In 2014, Facebook was the dominant news source. Today, news consumption is fragmented across "video-first" platforms. On TikTok, news consumption has grown from 3% in 2020 to 13% in 2024.
In markets across Southeast Asia and Latin America, social media isn't just a source; for over 70% of users, it is the only way they access digital news.
The mechanics of these platforms are governed by a metric called engagement. On the surface, engagement sounds like a positive thing—it means people are interested. But in a data-driven environment, engagement is usually a proxy for emotional arousal. Demonstrated by the library experience above, you could see how someone could end up in an echo chamber of their own perspective. Let's look at a more real-world example.
The mechanics of these platforms are governed by a metric called engagement. On the surface, engagement sounds like a positive thing—it means people are interested. But in a data-driven environment, engagement is usually a proxy for emotional arousal. Demonstrated by the library experience above, you could see how someone could end up in an echo chamber of their own perspective. Let's look at a more real-world example.
John
Michael
This is John and Michael. Recently, a local city council announced a zoning plan to create a "15-minute city," adding bike lanes, widening sidewalks, and incentivizing grocery stores to open in residential neighborhoods so residents don't have to drive as much. As a result of the council’s announcement, for months, John’s feed has been filled with content about European city design, the dangers of climate change, and the mental health benefits of walking. On the other hand, Michael’s feed has been filled with content about government overreach, surveillance states, and the loss of personal liberties.
This is John and Michael. Recently, a local city council announced a zoning plan to create a "15-minute city," adding bike lanes, widening sidewalks, and incentivizing grocery stores to open in residential neighborhoods so residents don't have to drive as much. As a result of the council’s announcement, for months, John’s feed has been filled with content about European city design, the dangers of climate change, and the mental health benefits of walking. On the other hand, Michael’s feed has been filled with content about government overreach, surveillance states, and the loss of personal liberties.
Let's see how a conversation about these new zoning laws might unfold between them.
Let's see how a conversation about these new zoning laws might unfold between them.
In the U.S., data from Pew Research shows that only 48% of people think biased news causes them to review and validate the basic facts showcased compared to 67% of people that reconsider news that is completely made up.
This data shows there is a consensus that biased news is less problematic than made-up news, making it more acceptable to just take biased news for what it is.
In the U.S., data from Pew Research shows that only 48% of people think biased news causes them to review and validate the basic facts showcased compared to 67% of people that reconsider news that is completely made up.
This data shows there is a consensus that biased news is less problematic than made-up news, making it more acceptable to just take biased news for what it is.
This phenomenon fundamentally destroys all civil discourse. For example, if two people were to examine a blue square on a wall, the two could have different opinions on the blue color’s aesthetics.
But let’s say both people were to wear magic glasses that changed the color for each of them. One arguing the color is red and the other boasting it’s green, the debate could never be sound because they are seeing two different realities.
This phenomenon fundamentally destroys all civil discourse. For example, if two people were to examine a blue square on a wall, the two could have different opinions on the blue color’s aesthetics.
But let’s say both people were to wear magic glasses that changed the color for each of them. One arguing the color is red and the other boasting it’s green, the debate could never be sound because they are seeing two different realities.
Presumably like many of you, this issue has rolled into my personal life. Instances where friends and family members won't come together simply because of the resentment they have towards each other based off of differences that are manufactured.
By turning friends into strangers and neighbors into opponents, it ensures that we are only capable of weakening democracy and abandoning connection. In order to build community we must be able to share the true reality we live in and work together for what really matters.
Presumably like many of you, this issue has rolled into my personal life. Instances where friends and family members won't come together simply because of the resentment they have towards each other based off of differences that are manufactured.
By turning friends into strangers and neighbors into opponents, it ensures that we are only capable of weakening democracy and abandoning connection. In order to build community we must be able to share the true reality we live in and work together for what really matters.