Modularity Podcast

Social Media’s Unseen Costs | History of the Internet Episode 8

This week's podcast dives deep into the unexpectedly dark side of social media, dissecting how platforms designed to connect us are also contributing to mental health challenges, facilitating the spread of misinformation, and eroding our personal privacy. Drawing on examples like the Facebook whistleblower reports exposing Instagram's impact on teen body image and the Cambridge Analytica scandal, the discussion uncovers the hidden costs of constant connectivity. It explores how the very mechanics of social media—algorithms, notifications, and endless scrolling—drive engagement at the expense of our well-being and societal truth. The episode scrutinizes the design choices and profit-driven incentives that fuel these issues, revealing how outrage and controversy become commodities in the attention economy. From small business owners burning out from the relentless pressure of social media marketing to the amplification of fake news during elections and public health crises, the podcast highlights the systemic problems baked into these platforms. It tackles the unsettling reality of constant data tracking and the implications of having our online behavior shaped and sold to the highest bidder. Listeners will gain actionable insights into reclaiming control in a world dominated by social media. The podcast offers practical tips and strategies for protecting both mental health and data privacy. From utilizing ad blockers and adjusting privacy settings to embracing digital detoxes, the episode empowers listeners to make informed choices. It challenges us to be more intentional in our online habits and to demand more ethical designs from the creators of these powerful tools, ultimately aiming to reshape social media into a force that works for us, not against us.