Part 4/9:
The transition illustrates a pattern common in digital platforms: initial innovation giving way to commercialization. They flourish at first, then drown users in ads, extract profit relentlessly, and eventually degenerate into what the study calls "digital garbage." The genuine, messy human elements are often drowned out by AI-generated content and monetization strategies.
2. Perception, Guilt, and Social Anxiety
Many users haven’t necessarily stopped using social media; instead, they have become more cautious or passive. They scroll and observe but refrain from posting due to fears about how they will be perceived. One misstep could lead to online backlash or criticism, fostering a climate of anxiety and self-censorship.