The Economics of Social Media
The Future of Social Media
How AI content, regulation, subscriptions and private messaging may reshape social media, and a recap of the module.
Social media keeps changing.
Trends
- AI-generated content and chatbots in apps.
- Private messaging and small groups over public feeds.
- Subscriptions as alternatives to ads.
- Short video dominance.
- Regulation of algorithms, children and misinformation.
Challenges
- Deepfakes and trust.
- Mental health concerns.
- Market power of a few platforms.
Module recap
- Attention is the scarce resource platforms sell.
- India has the most users for WhatsApp, YouTube and Instagram.
- Algorithms rank content for engagement.
- Design features hook users.
- Misinformation spreads fast and caused harm.
- India banned TikTok in 2020.
- Teen well-being concerns led to age limits abroad.
- Indian users earn low revenue per person.
- IT Rules regulate platforms.
- WhatsApp is a business tool.
- Social commerce thrives on trust.
The mindful user
A student turns off notifications, sets a daily time limit and follows accounts that teach skills, using social media on her terms.
Thinking users have no control
Settings and habits can change how we use platforms.
Key takeaways
- AI, private messaging and subscriptions are trends.
- Deepfakes and mental health are challenges.
- Regulation is increasing.
- Users can shape their own use.
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