Spryng: Social Media Platforms Don't Give a Damn About You

Johan Premfors

2024-04-07T12:44Z · 4 minute read

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If you would like to remain blissfully ignorant about the world in which you live then it’s time to close down this article and move on. This post is about to bust some of your beliefs and spill the beans on the world of technology and social media.

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At Spring we believe that human beings are innate learners and constantly seek knowledge and insights. That’s how we have evolved since we first walked the planet. We also believe that we are far from using our potential and the evidence is plentiful with conflicts all over the world and the fact that we are still battling hunger despite having the knowledge and technology to eliminate it. We believe that technology needs to serve a bigger purpose than what it does today, and we are doing something about it.

The world of tech and social media touches us everyday whether we like it or not. Social media is so powerful that governments restrict certain apps in certain countries. China bans Facebook, Google, X, Instagram, Snapchat, Yahoo, Slack, and YouTube and United States are considering banning TikTok. The governments in Iran and Turkey throttle (reduce or stop access to certain apps) during elections and/or protests and we know with great certainty that social media is used by nefarious governments to influence elections.

Dark Pattern Quick-Fire Quiz

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Social media is NOT free because YOU are the product

Facebook, Google, Instagram, TikTok make billions because we all think their services are free. Well, we hate to break it to you, they’re not. You’re the one paying for it with your precious time and while we are laughing at funny memes the big tech companies are bombarding you with ads and also selling your data to whoever is willing to pay for it.

The more time you spend on social media the more you’re worth to advertisers.

Where does this leave you, the singular innocent user?

If you use Instagram, TikTok, and perhaps Facebook the first thing to recognize is that you are nothing but a consumer and a target for ads. They don’t care about you, your life, and you making good decisions. The second thing, is to realize that you are actually the one in charge, and you can choose exactly how much or little you spend on an app or a site.

**The solution is to be the antidote **

The world is very noisy and with the rapid developments in technology it can be overwhelming. Stay informed, question everything, and draw your own conclusions.

It’s time to stop being a sucker

While social media and technology are here to stay, make sure that you are the one in charge and not your whims or advertiser agendas. Help create a better and more respectful world where tech and social media actively contribute to the world getting better.

**You're not a helpless victim **

Take some action now, it could be life-changing:

Turn off all your social media notifications for 24 hours to see what it feels like. You could be surprised at the result.
Spend less time on various feeds and instead trade 10 minutes of doom-scrolling with 25 push-ups or a breathing exercise. It's a trade that could lead to a healthier life.
Create boundaries. Don't answer non-urgent messages immediately nor accept all friend requests from people you're not close to.

How likely am I to try one of the above actions?

Very, in fact, I'll do it now

Maybe later, but not now

Not likely at all

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