Problems posed by social media models and suggested solutions

Social media and search engines have become the main way people organize and access information, but companies that run them are guided by profit, not things like democracy or human rights. Sometimes, the most popular, profitable speech promotes racism, misinformation, and polarization.

Solution: Introducing friction by slowing online interactions and giving users the chance to think before sharing information is one solution

Social media business models are built on the attention economy, in which platforms sell users’ attention for advertising. But what gets attention isn’t always good for users or society.

Solution: Subscription-based models, which aren’t tied to advertising.

PS: Although there is a danger if the best, fact-checked information is available only behind a paywall.