That impossibly beautiful model on Instagram might be just that. CGI influencers are already on social media, and Meta’s commercial interest means it shouldn’t be in charge of the ethical guidelines.
On TikTok, stories can be manufactured and dramatized like an investigative gossip reel.
Jenna Drenten
Female survivors of sexual violence in Indonesia tell stories of their experience on Twitter and Facebook to seek safe space and share fears, grievances, despair and anger.
The Sunwing saga highlighted the role of influencers, which in this case was negative, but they are still considered role models followers identify with, or whose example they want to follow.
(Unsplash/Mateus Campo Felipe)
The popularity of hashtags like #MeToo speaks to society’s increasing embrace of important issues like sexual assault and harassment
WitchTok is the subculture of pagans who use TikTok to share spells, learn about mythology and connect with co-religionists.
(northeasternherb, showthe8thhouse, greenwitchmystics/TikTok)
2021 was another unpredictable year and there’s no sign of life returning to normal just yet – but here are the digital trends you can expect in 2022.
A cutout display at a protest highlighted the connection between social media and the real-world effects of misinformation.
Caroline Brehman/CQ-Roll Call, Inc. via Getty Images
Misinformation will continue to strain society in 2022 as the lines between misinformation and political speech blur, cynicism grows and the lack of regulation allows misinformation to flourish.
The cute economy is not only a network of cute content that people participate in making, sharing and circulating but also a multibillion-dollar business.
(Shutterstock)
Meta felt the heat in 2021 as whistleblower revelations, congressional ire and demands for data knocked the company back on its heels. Here’s a look at research into the problems Meta poses for society.
We have moved beyond burning witches and lynching wrong-doers. So we should also stop shaming unvaccinated people. There are better ways to change behaviour.
Health care providers are just one trusted source of information for parents on the safety of COVID-19 vaccines for children.
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Fast-moving viral memes create space for low-stakes, humorous and wholesome engagement on often toxic social media platforms
The legacy of the Sandy Hook shootings in 2012 continues to reverberate 10 years later, including in how conspiracy theories have changed since the tragedy.
Eduardo Munoz Alvarez/AFP via Getty Image