People Aren’t Meant to Talk This Much
Breaking up social-media companies is one way to fix them. Shutting their users up is a better one.
TL;DR
- Dunbar's number posits a limit of 150 meaningful relationships per person.
- Social media platforms prioritize quantity of connections over quality.
- The internet has shifted public discourse control from institutions to individuals.
- Ease of connection online facilitates the spread of misinformation and negativity.
- Tech companies profit from 'engagement,' encouraging constant online activity.
- The focus on reach and popularity has led to a belief in an absolute liberty to be heard.
- Megascale, the unprecedented size of social media user bases, contributes to the spread of bad information.