It cannot be denied that today's social media, with their complex and intelligent algorithms, have significantly impacted our world. But is this really the best way to experience the online space? Recently, the Australian government announced "world-leading" reforms, inviting users to choose and personalize their content. These reforms are titled "My Movie, My Way" and allow users to step away from algorithms.
The Golden Age of Social Media
On Tuesday, as the news of these reforms was released, I decided to stay away from my personal algorithms on Instagram for 24 hours. During this time, I encountered a video of a woman who accidentally spilled a bucket full of eels on a train in China. This video, along with the relatively calm reactions of the passengers, reminded me that once upon a time, social media was this simple and unadorned.
The fact that we are now dependent on completely personalized content somehow reflects profound changes in the online space. Algorithms meticulously predict what we want, resulting in a very specific and, in some cases, limiting experience.
Is a Return to Simplicity Possible?
Nevertheless, is a return to the good old days of social media possible? Can we simply enjoy those unforgettable and hilarious experiences that were randomly presented to us? The new reforms in Australia indicate a major shift in the approach to the online space and may give users the opportunity to regain control over the content they receive.
Undoubtedly, these changes could help revive the social and human spirit in the virtual world. Perhaps with these reforms, we can once again return to the simplicity and joy that social media once brought us.
