Thomas Ligor is a lifelong resident of New York, currently working as a sales and marketing specialist for the Chelsea Market. As social media platforms have become an integral part of our daily routines, businesses now have a greater reach when marketing with social media. In the following article, Thomas Ligor discusses where the future of social media is headed, as the landscape progresses forward.
The future of social media is a topic that is constantly evolving, but one thing is certain: the role of social media in our lives has become increasingly more important.
Thomas Ligor of New York says that safety and individuality are two of the biggest concerns surrounding the future of social media. A desire to maintain privacy and to shape our own online experiences will be crucial as the online landscape progresses.
As we continue to spend more time online, connecting to friends and family, sharing information, and providing a way to communicate with the world has never been more popular.
The Future of Social Media
As time charges forward and the years continue on, what are the main concerns surrounding the future of social media?
• Online Safety and Anonymity
One of the biggest concerns facing social media users today is the issue of safety and identity explains Thomas Ligor. With the rise of fake news and cyberbullying, many are calling for social media platforms to take more responsibility for the content that is shared on their platforms.
Thomas Ligor says that social media regulars want to see more robust safety measures in place to protect users from harmful content and to ensure that everyone is able to express themselves without fear of harassment or abuse.
• Users Must Protect Themselves First
In 2019, Google Registry and The Harris Poll released a report that suggested that despite how many people are making websites today, the majority of Americans aren’t caught up on their online security safety know-how. Many could not properly define what a phishing scam is and did not understand how to use a two-factor authentication services according to Thomas Ligor of New York.
In order for the future of social media to thrive, users must not solely rely on the platforms themselves to offer up a barrier of protection. They, too, must harness the tools at their own disposal to ensure their personal safety.
Individuality on Social Media
On the other hand, Thomas Ligor explains that many people are also concerned about the potential for social media to erode our sense of privacy and individuality. With so much personal information being shared online, it can be difficult to maintain control over how that information is used and who has access to it.
The Use of Algorithms
Additionally, the use of algorithms to personalize social media feeds can create a filter bubble that limits our exposure to different perspectives, making it harder to understand and engage with the world around us.
It can be easy to worry about the creation of an ‘echo chamber’, where users are fed only information they strictly agree with, and are not presented with new ideals, points of view, or talking points that could change their personal stance reports Thomas Ligor.
Positive Outlook
Despite these challenges, Thomas Ligor says that the future of social media is not all doom and gloom. There are also many opportunities for social media to be used as a force for good, connecting people across the globe, fostering a sense of community, and providing a platform for underrepresented voices to be heard.
Community is easily built on social media. Thousands, if not millions have reunited with friends, lost family, and made lifetime romantic and platonic connections via social media alone.
In order to ensure that social media remains a positive force in our lives, it will be important for both users and platform providers to work together to find a balance between safety and identity.
Thomas Ligor says that this may involve taking a more proactive approach to moderating content and addressing cyberbullying, while also providing users with more control over their personal information and the ability to curate their own feeds.
Conclusion
Social media can be a force for good as much as bad, a place to connect as easily as it is a place to argue and disconnect. The future of social media is uncertain and colored in shades of grey.
Thomas Ligor says that providing a place for representation and community, are boons. Others, like that of online security and the possible downsides of algorithmic content delivery, are less positive.
Ultimately, the future of social media will be shaped by the choices we make as a society. By working together to strike a balance between safety and identity, we can ensure that social media remains a powerful tool for connection and communication.
