Social Media as Tools of Manipulation

How Social Media Influences People's Behavior and Opinions

Social media has a tremendous influence on people's behavior and opinions. Algorithms are designed to maximize user engagement. By presenting content that is most relevant or interesting to users, social media platforms can increase users' dependency on these platforms. This influence can take various forms:

Echo Chambers: Social media often displays content that confirms users' existing opinions, reinforcing their beliefs and limiting exposure to differing viewpoints.

Polarization: Algorithms may prioritize controversial or polarizing content because it generates more interactions. This can lead to increased societal polarization.

Social Validation: People tend to adapt their opinions and behavior to what is popular or accepted in their social circle. Social media amplifies this effect by showing what is "trendy" and popular.

Examples of Manipulative Techniques Used by Social Media

Engagement Algorithms: Algorithms are designed to increase time spent on the platform by displaying content that evokes strong emotional reactions, such as anger, fear, or excitement.

Content Personalization: Based on the data social media collects about users, it creates personalized content designed to keep users on the platform as long as possible.

Behavioral Tracking: Constant monitoring of user behavior and interactions allows social media platforms to tailor content and ads to individual users.

Dark Patterns: Design techniques that manipulate users into taking certain actions, such as subscribing or making a purchase, without them being fully aware of it.

What Data Really Is

Facts About the Data That Flows Through the Network, Regardless of User Consent:
Personal Data: Names, addresses, email addresses, phone numbers.

Behavioral Data: Browsing history, social media interactions, purchases, interests.

Technical Data: IP addresses, device types, operating systems.

Location Data: Information about where the user is or has been.

Biometric Data: Fingerprints, palm prints, "earprints," "eye prints," heart rate, breathing rate, and other details (let's save some surprises for under the tree… 😂).

Who Can Access This Data and How Can It Be Used?

Advertising Companies: Use data for targeted marketing.

Analytics Firms: Conduct user behavior analysis for various purposes.

Governments and Security Agencies: May access data for surveillance and security purposes.

Criminals and Hackers: Can misuse this data for various illegal activities.

God: Metaphorically mentioned as the absolute authority over data, evoking an omnipresent and omnipotent force.

"THE MAIN ONE": A person, or (believe it or not) an artificial intelligence (AI), who always has the "final say" and controls the entire system. This figure can be seen as the pinnacle of the power pyramid, overseeing all aspects of the digital world. We'll come back to this later. 😏