Is the End of Social Media Really That Close?

The Evolution of Social Networks: From Dream to Reality

Once upon a time, there was a dream of a free and democratic place where everyone could express themselves and grow personally and professionally through knowledge sharing and interactions with others.
This immense place without borders, unafraid of time zones or racism, connecting humanity across the globe, gave us the illusion that each of us could have our moment of glory beyond Andy Warhol’s famous 15 minutes, making us feel free.
Free to act, speak, and evolve, strengthening a sense of cosmic brotherhood with our fellow human beings.

The Shift from Social Networks to Media Platforms

The evolution of social networks into media platforms has been a significant transition to reflect upon.
What does it mean? It’s just a different definition, yet it underscores the massive financial influx through advertisements we unconsciously consume while endlessly scrolling, feeding algorithms with our precious commodity: ourselves.
As part of this mechanism, many now feel the urge to redraw the sacred boundaries between the virtual and the real, freeing our synapses from the digital enslavement.

One of the considerations presented by the author is the risk of human devolution.
Despite our progress in various fields, we find ourselves in 2024 more isolated, depressed, bulimic, and superficial than ever.
Living in increasingly smaller and suffocating spaces, we seek solace on screens, waiting for validation from virtual friends.
Vanity metrics distort our self-perception, consuming time irreversibly.
Where did we go wrong?

Redefining Human Connections

Fortunately, signs of positive change are emerging as digital exhaustion leads people, especially the younger generation, to seek different approaches.
Recently, venues in New York have emerged where visitors deposit their phones upon entry to engage in real conversations and connection.
The need to re-learn authentic relationships is palpable, especially as technology advances relentlessly, introducing new challenges like artificial intelligence.

In conclusion, the notion of the “end of social networks” proposed by Moroni opens a dialogue on less catastrophic and perhaps necessary alternatives.
While we may not be ready to part ways with social platforms today, we can start lifting our gaze from screens to witness the true colors of the sky, unfiltered by screens but seen through our eyes and souls.