Part 3: Does Social Media Increase Communication

 written by 20618 Lee Seo Ahn

Social media decreases people’s communication because of algorithms. A social media algorithm is a compilation of rules and data that make decisions about what users want to see on the platform. 

Social media sites create unique algorithms for everyone who uses the site, meaning that no two people will have the same exact social media newsfeed.

Therefore, people only get to be exposed to news that they are interested in, and have a high possibility of only having biased information and missing out on crucial news. 

This allows people only to have a conversation with people who have similar interests, which is problematic because it results in three problems: one, makes people miss out on a conversation with people who have different interests or opinions; two, therefore decreases people’s ability to communicate; and three, it hinders people to realize that there is another side.

Algorithms weaken people’s chances to have a conversation with other people who have different interests or opinions, which is a chance that helps people to maintain a neutral position, and expand their knowledge. 

Suppose one is only strengthening a biased opinion, it only decreases one’s ability to comprehend other people’s opinions and share thoughts with other people. If one loses its ability to comprehend other people, it can be concluded that one is losing its crucial communication skills.

For example, the 2021 United States Capitol Riot took place due to the biased, irrational opinions on social media about the United States presidential election. 

Due to the algorithms on social media, participants were only exposed to the biased conspiracy, and resulted in violence.

In this case, algorithms on social media decreased conversation but increased physical violence.

For such reasons, social media decreases people’s communication.

This is the third part in a six-part series that the Opinion department of the PRESS explore both sides.