The Evolution of Copyright Protection and the Impact of Social Media Overload

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Hatched by Glasp

Sep 01, 2023

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The Evolution of Copyright Protection and the Impact of Social Media Overload

In today's digital age, copyright protection has become an increasingly important issue. With the ease of sharing and disseminating information online, it is crucial to understand how long copyright protection lasts and what it entails. On the other hand, the rise of social media platforms has led to a phenomenon known as the "death of the newsfeed," resulting in information overload and a need for algorithmic curation. In this article, we will explore the evolution of copyright protection and its intersection with the challenges posed by social media overload.

Copyright protection has undergone significant changes over the years. As a general rule, for works created after January 1, 1978, copyright protection lasts for the life of the author plus an additional 70 years. This means that the original creator of a work, whether it be a book, a painting, or a song, holds exclusive rights to it for a considerable period of time. However, there are exceptions to this rule. In the case of anonymous works, pseudonymous works, or works made for hire, the copyright endures for a term of 95 years from the year of its first publication or a term of 120 years from the year of its creation, whichever expires first.

The concept of copyright protection serves to incentivize creativity and ensure that creators have control over their works. It allows them to profit from their creations and encourages further innovation. However, with the advent of social media and the ease of sharing content, copyright infringement has become more prevalent. People often share copyrighted material without proper attribution or permission, leading to legal disputes and challenges in enforcing copyright laws.

The rise of social media platforms like Facebook has resulted in a phenomenon known as the "death of the newsfeed." This refers to the overwhelming amount of information that users are exposed to on their feeds, leading to a sense of overload. Dunbar's number, a rule of thumb that suggests individuals can maintain meaningful relationships with around 150 people, clashes with Zuckerberg's law, which states that people tend to share more and more on social media over time. This clash creates a situation where posting frequently on social media is considered normal rather than rude. People feel compelled to share every aspect of their lives, leading to an overload of information for their friends and followers.

The tragedy of the commons comes into play when discussing social media overload. Users feel obligated to post content, but in doing so, they contribute to the overload experienced by others. It becomes a vicious cycle where everyone is expected to share, but the sheer volume of content makes it impossible to keep up. Platforms like Facebook struggle to find a balance between showing users what they want to see and avoiding inundating them with irrelevant or repetitive content.

Google, on the other hand, operates differently. It shows users exactly what they want based on their search queries and preferences. This targeted approach has been successful for Google, as it delivers personalized results. However, Facebook faces a challenge in determining what content to show users. It lacks the direct signal that Google receives from search queries, making it difficult to curate the feed effectively.

The issue with the newsfeed is that it is primarily focused on "what do I want to see?" rather than "what do my friends want or need me to see?" This shift in focus has led to a change in the way people express themselves on social media. Instead of sharing meaningful and important content, users often resort to posting mundane or less significant updates. The feed becomes cluttered, making it challenging for users to find relevant information.

So, what can be done to address the challenges posed by social media overload and the evolving landscape of copyright protection? Here are three actionable pieces of advice:

  • 1. Be mindful of what you share: Before posting content on social media, consider its relevance and value to your audience. Sharing meaningful and important information will help reduce the overload experienced by your friends and followers.
  • 2. Educate yourself about copyright laws: Familiarize yourself with the basics of copyright protection and understand what constitutes infringement. By respecting copyright laws, you can contribute to a fair and ethical digital environment.
  • 3. Support algorithmic curation: Embrace algorithmic curation on social media platforms. Algorithms can help filter and prioritize content, ensuring that users see what is most relevant to them. By supporting these algorithms, you can help mitigate the challenges of social media overload.

In conclusion, the evolution of copyright protection and the rise of social media overload present unique challenges in today's digital landscape. While copyright laws aim to protect creators and their works, the ease of sharing on social media platforms has led to an increase in copyright infringement. Additionally, the overwhelming amount of information on newsfeeds poses a challenge for users and platforms alike. By being mindful of what we share, educating ourselves about copyright laws, and supporting algorithmic curation, we can navigate these challenges and contribute to a more balanced and meaningful digital experience.

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