The Economics of Engineered Social Media

Social platforms follow a cycle: pure intentions, venture funding, growth imperative, algorithmic manipulation, and mission corruption.

Addiction is engineered by incentives that prioritize engagement metrics and time-on-platform for profit.

Individual strategies like digital detoxes can’t overcome systematic platform manipulation targeting psychological vulnerabilities.

Real solutions require systemic changes: alternative funding models, regulated algorithms, structural separation, and new metrics prioritizing wellbeing.

Authentic human connection can’t thrive on attention-extracting platforms; we need systems that support connection beyond profit-driven engagement loops.