The Changing Landscape of Social Media: From Overload to Control

The Changing Landscape of Social Media: From Overload to Control

In the age of social media, we have become accustomed to the constant stream of information that fills our newsfeeds. But what if this overload of content is actually diminishing our experience rather than enhancing it? Benedict Evans explores this idea in his article "The death of the newsfeed," where he delves into the concept of Dunbar's number and Zuckerberg's law.

Dunbar's number suggests that we have a limited capacity to maintain meaningful relationships with a certain number of people. It implies that we can only truly know a few hundred individuals well enough to connect with them on platforms like Facebook. However, when combined with Zuckerberg's law, which states that people tend to share more and more on social media over time, we encounter a problem - overload.

The asymmetric nature of the newsfeed on platforms like Facebook has made it socially acceptable to post frequently and share less important things. It's no longer seen as rude because we're posting to "our" feed rather than explicitly sending it to someone. This phenomenon leads to what is known as the tragedy of the commons. We are all supposed to post content, but by doing so, we overload each other's feeds and dilute the overall quality of the experience.

This issue is further exacerbated by the fact that Facebook lacks a direct signal of what users want to see. Unlike Google, which shows us exactly what we've searched for, Facebook relies on algorithms to determine what content to display. While Google's approach may be successful in delivering tailored results, Facebook's algorithmic approach raises questions about what content should or should not be shown. Even if my uncle shares something, it doesn't necessarily mean I want to see it. Deciding what to show and how to weigh different content types becomes a complex challenge.

On the other hand, Substack takes a different approach to content moderation. Instead of prioritizing engagement as the holy metric, Substack focuses on writer revenue. Their business model revolves around writers making money through subscriptions, and Substack takes a 10% cut of that revenue. This emphasis on writer revenue aligns their interests with those of the writers themselves, fostering trust and a mutually beneficial relationship.

Substack allows readers to have control over what they see. Readers can consciously decide which writers they want to invite into their inboxes and support with their subscriptions. This level of choice and trust is fundamental to Substack's mission. They aim to subvert the power of the attention economy and put people back in control. Unlike platforms that prioritize engagement, Substack believes in letting individuals decide who to trust and actively choose the content they consume.

Substack's approach challenges the prevailing media ecosystem. They reject advertising and algorithms that optimize for engagement, instead embracing subscriptions and a broad range of views. They believe that this model is not only better for writing but also for culture as a whole. By hosting diverse perspectives, Substack contributes to a stronger and more robust discourse.

So, what can we learn from these two contrasting approaches to content moderation? How can we strike a balance between overload and control? Here are three actionable pieces of advice:

1. Prioritize quality over quantity: Instead of bombarding our feeds with an overwhelming amount of content, let's focus on sharing meaningful and valuable posts. By curating our content with care, we can enhance the overall experience for ourselves and others.

2. Embrace user control: Platforms should empower users to have control over the content they see. Whether it's through customizable algorithms or subscription-based models like Substack, giving users the ability to choose fosters trust and ensures a more personalized and tailored experience.

3. Seek diverse perspectives: In order to strengthen our discourse and promote a healthy democracy, we should actively seek out and support platforms that host a broad range of views. By engaging with different perspectives, we can challenge our own beliefs and foster a more inclusive and vibrant online community.

In conclusion, the landscape of social media is evolving. The overload of content in our newsfeeds is prompting a shift towards user control and a more curated experience. Platforms like Substack are challenging the traditional metrics of engagement and prioritizing trust and writer revenue instead. As users, we have the power to shape this evolution by prioritizing quality, embracing control, and seeking diverse perspectives. Let's reimagine the way we engage with social media and build a better future for online communication and culture.