Reckoning with Social Media

Social media is facing mounting criticisms about their anticompetitive reach, addictive design, and toxicity to democracy. Strategies to regulate how platforms operate technically, economically, and legally are often stacked against individual tactics to manage the effects of social media by disconnecting from them. Reckoning with Social Media challenges the prevailing critique of social media that pits small gestures against big changes, reframes evaluative claims about disconnection practices as either restorative or reformative of current social media systems.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 250 pages
Publication date: 15 September 2023
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

Social media, once celebrated for their ability to connect people and circulate ideas, are now facing mounting criticisms regarding their anticompetitive reach, addictive design, and detrimental impact on democracy. This collective backlash, known as the "techlash," encompasses journalists, users, and politicians who are demanding accountability from social media platforms for their perceived excesses in size, engagement, and unruly behavior. In the age of the techlash, strategies to regulate social media's operations technically, economically, and legally often overshadow individual tactics aimed at managing the effects of these platforms. Disconnection practices, such as restricting screen time, detoxing from device use, and deleting apps and accounts, are commonly employed to address the negative impacts of social media. However, these practices often reinforce rather than challenge the ways in which social media organizes attention, shapes everyday life, and contributes to society.

Reckoning with Social Media seeks to challenge the prevailing dichotomy between small gestures and significant changes in the evaluation of disconnection practices. This edited volume reframes the critical discourse surrounding disconnection by acknowledging the ambivalence, commodification, and complicity inherent in separating from social media. By starting from where other studies end, namely the ambivalence, commodification, and complicity of separating from social media, this volume offers a fresh perspective on the complex dynamics of social media systems.

Chapter 1: Introduction

Social media has revolutionized the way we communicate, share information, and engage with the world. However, their rapid growth and widespread adoption have also brought about concerns about their impact on society. This chapter provides an overview of the criticisms leveled against social media, including their anticompetitive reach, addictive design, and toxicity to democracy.

Chapter 2: The Anticompetitive Reach of Social Media

Social media platforms have become dominant in the digital landscape, controlling vast amounts of user data and influencing public opinion. This chapter explores the anticompetitive nature of social media, highlighting how their monopolistic control can stifle innovation, limit competition, and undermine democratic values.

Chapter 3: The Addictive Design of Social Media

Social media platforms are designed to be highly engaging and addictive, using psychological techniques to keep users engaged for extended periods. This chapter examines the addictive design of social media, discussing the impact it has on mental health, productivity, and social interactions.

Chapter 4: The Toxicity of Social Media to Democracy

Social media has been accused of spreading misinformation, polarizing public discourse, and undermining democratic institutions. This chapter explores the ways in which social media can contribute to the decline of democratic values, including the spread of fake news, the erosion of trust in institutions, and the manipulation of public opinion.

Chapter 5: Strategies for Regulating Social Media

In response to the techlash, governments and regulatory bodies have implemented various strategies to regulate social media platforms. This chapter examines the legal, economic, and technical approaches to regulating social media, discussing their effectiveness and potential unintended consequences.

Chapter 6: Disconnection Practices as a Response to Social Media Challenges

Individuals and communities have sought to manage the effects of social media through disconnection practices. This chapter explores the various disconnection practices, including restricting screen time, detoxing from device use, and deleting apps and accounts. It examines the potential benefits and drawbacks of these practices, as well as their impact on social connections, mental health, and productivity.

Chapter 7: Reckoning with the Ambivalence of Disconnection

Disconnection practices are often portrayed as a simple solution to the challenges posed by social media. However, this chapter argues that disconnection is not a binary choice but rather a complex and multifaceted phenomenon. It explores the ambivalence of disconnection, discussing the potential benefits and risks associated with separating from social media.

Chapter 8: The Commodification of Disconnection

Disconnection practices are increasingly being commodified by social media platforms and tech companies. This chapter examines the ways in which disconnection is being marketed as a product, highlighting the potential implications for privacy, autonomy, and social equality.

Chapter 9: The Complicity of Disconnection in Maintaining Social Media Systems

Disconnection practices are often seen as a way to challenge the power of social media platforms. However, this chapter argues that disconnection can also contribute to the perpetuation of existing social media systems, by reinforcing the dominance of certain platforms and perpetuating harmful practices.

Chapter 10: Conclusion

Social media has transformed the way we interact with the world, but their negative impact on democracy, mental health, and social connections requires urgent attention. Reckoning with Social Media offers a comprehensive examination of the challenges posed by social media and the strategies for regulating and managing their impact. By acknowledging the ambivalence, commodification, and complicity of disconnection practices, this volume provides a nuanced understanding of the complex dynamics of social media systems and the potential for reform.

Weight: 386g
Dimension: 230 x 152 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781538147429