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When The Truth No Longer Matters: How Social Media's Engagement Obsession Is Killing Democracy

The article by Hessie Jones, published on Forbes, discusses how the relentless pursuit of engagement on social media platforms is undermining democracy. It highlights that algorithms designed to maximize user interaction often prioritize sensational, polarizing, or misleading content over factual information, leading to the spread of misinformation and echo chambers where users are only exposed to reinforcing viewpoints. This manipulation of content for engagement not only distorts public discourse but also erodes trust in institutions and facts, making it harder for democracies to function effectively. The piece argues that this trend is not just a byproduct but a core feature of how social media operates, driven by the economic incentives of these platforms, which prioritize profit over the public good. The article calls for a reevaluation of how social media companies operate, suggesting regulatory measures or changes in platform algorithms to foster a healthier information ecosystem.

Read the Full Forbes Article at:
[ https://www.forbes.com/sites/hessiejones/2025/02/13/when-the-truth-no-longer-matters-how-social-medias-engagement-obsession-is-killing-democracy/ ]