In today’s digital age, social media has become an integral part of our daily lives. It allows us to stay connected, informed, and engaged with a wide range of topics and communities. However, as Island Social Trends Editor Mary P Brooke points out in her recent editorial, there is a growing concern about the impact of social media silos on our ability to access diverse and unbiased information.
Brooke highlights how easy it is to become confined within or dependent upon certain information streams or online communities. Whether it’s Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, or email lists, we often find ourselves following the same people or algorithms that push us towards familiar content. This can create a sense of being informed, but in reality, it may lead to a limited and repetitive flow of information.
One of the main issues identified by Brooke is the role of techies and managers who code social media algorithms. These individuals may not fully understand the broader impacts of their work on businesses, communities, and governments. They may prioritize what they think users want to see or what works best for their desktop, leading to a lack of diversity in the content we consume.
Moreover, Brooke raises concerns about the manipulation of digital feeds by promoters and campaign managers. In recent elections, there has been a heavy reliance on social media to proliferate messages, but this may not reach all voters, especially independent ones who are not within the same silos. Traditional media, both online and print, can play a crucial role in reaching a wider audience and engaging with voters beyond the confines of social media.
As a seasoned journalist who has covered elections in the west shore since 2008, Brooke emphasizes the importance of presenting information through a socioeconomic lens. She understands the political impacts on households, communities, and society, and advocates for a more balanced and inclusive approach to media coverage.
In response to these challenges, Brooke has launched Island Social Trends, a platform that aims to provide diverse and insightful coverage of local issues. Through a combination of online articles and a biweekly print edition, she seeks to bridge the gap between digital and traditional media, ensuring that readers have access to a wide range of perspectives.
In conclusion, Brooke’s editorial serves as a timely reminder of the importance of breaking free from social media silos and seeking out diverse sources of information. By engaging with a variety of media platforms and staying informed about different viewpoints, we can cultivate a more informed and inclusive society.