Media is part of how we connect with the world, yet 1 in 4 people in the United States feels lonely. In many ways, we’re more disconnected than ever, even though we have various ways to make connections through multiple media platforms. It’s a puzzle, but there are points to consider with humanity in media.
Media Shifts
Media has shifted significantly over the course of civilization. If we consider it, humans have interacted in person and face-to-face for centuries. The extent of media might be traveling news carriers, exchanges at large markets, or, in later years, newspapers.
This kind of media was it, and there was little shift until options like radio appeared. Radio led to TV. The big change, however, was the world wide web and the social media that followed in its wake.
The Last Two Decades Have Changed Humanity in Media
MySpace started in 2003, Facebook launched in 2004, and so on. Once these began, other sites spawned, ran, and, in many cases, ceased to exist. The big ones we know today emerged from this chaos and have demonstrated their staying power.
This shift has altered how we manage our personal relationships. This shift looked a little different for everyone, but we generally started connecting less directly and seeing the highlights we wanted to see.
Now, you see invites to follow folks on a number of the big platforms as a course of business. Silver Magpie is active on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Pinterest, for example.
The Changing Role of Algorithms in Social Media
Algorithms have changed as social media has evolved, too. Normally, when we talk about algorithms, we talk about the ones for search engines. However, social media platforms also maintain their algorithms to appease users.
Initially, the algorithms were nothing special. However, algorithmic advancement became paramount once “like” features and ads became part of the game. They were necessary, and these days, the algorithms aim to create engagement with content to keep people on the platform so they can be advertised to. Social media algorithms make it addictive, create confirmation zones, and fail to foster the social connections they claim.
Media Shifts in How People Relate
How people relate and maintain connections has also shifted with the growth of various platforms. In some ways, it’s beneficial. No one is ever really out of contact anymore, even if they move to the other side of the world. We can also maintain a more extensive network of acquaintances with minimal effort.
Unfortunately, social media encourages the presentation of the highlight reel rather than all the highs and lows. This choice makes it challenging to connect with and removes a lot of humanity from the platforms that are supposed to connect us with others. People who go viral based on their humanity may not be authentic, since they must maintain a brand.
In recent years, this has hit a peak. Now, anyone who needs to use these platforms has to cater to the algorithms or languish in obscurity. That removes many of the more authentic touchpoints and even humanity that marks how we connect.
What Humanity in Media Means Now
The world has changed, and that’s okay because it’s been doing that as long as humans have been around. Media in our time has simply accelerated it to a previously impossible rate. Combined with other changes like AI content, it’s no wonder people don’t feel connected.
Fortunately, these changes also make it easy to stand out. Authenticity, human connection, and more in business translate into trust when done correctly.
Ready for authentic, human-created content that aligns with your brand? Send Silver Magpie Writing a message.
Like this article? Check out the Silver Magpie Email list so you never miss new content!