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Malay Mail
8 hours ago
- Malay Mail
Control in the name of distraction — Aisha Fahmy Mohd Zulhery Fahmy
JUNE 22 — People call them big companies or even giants: Google, Amazon, Apple, Microsoft, Meta, Netflix. These names dominate our digital world. They've become so woven into our daily lives that we often forget just how much we rely on them. At the touch of our fingertips, we send messages, stream videos, search for answers, shop, and socialise. The line 'there's an app for that' came from their inventions. In many ways, these companies built the modern digital landscape. Thanks to them, we're more connected than ever before. We can communicate across borders, access information instantly, and enjoy the kind of convenience our ancestors couldn't have imagined. But with great innovation comes great responsibility and even greater power. The question is: Where do we draw the line? Yes, we should be thankful for the tools they've created. But we should also be cautious. There's a saying: 'Don't bite the hand that feeds you,' but perhaps in this case, the real warning should be: 'Don't keep eating if the hand starts feeding you poison.' These platforms don't just connect us — they also control the flow of information we see. The news we read, the videos we watch, the ads we encounter, even the people we interact with — much of it is determined by algorithms designed by a few powerful corporations. This control over information isn't just a matter of business. It affects public opinion, political debates, and even personal beliefs. When a handful of companies can amplify some voices while silencing others, promote certain narratives while burying others, it becomes clear that they don't just participate in the media industry — they dominate it. And the content never stops. We scroll endlessly through social media, binge-watch entire series in a weekend, and click through a dozen tabs without finishing a single one. At some point, this starts to feel less like freedom and more like hypnosis. We're feeding on content voluntarily but without limits. We're consuming and consuming, but what are we really getting in return? Control of information affects public opinion, political debates, and even personal beliefs. — Picture from Unsplash/Maxim Ilyahov I believe this endless stream of media has become a distraction — a way to pull us away from the real world, from reality itself. Instead of looking out at the world and engaging with people face to face, we're staring into screens, losing ourselves in curated images and carefully calculated feeds. And while it feels like we're in control, choosing what to watch or who to follow, the truth is, much of our experience is shaped by behind-the-scenes algorithms we don't fully understand. Of course, not everything is harmful. There are many benefits to the digital world: education, community-building, activism, entertainment, even healing. But we can't ignore the other sides too. The addictive design of social media, the spread of misinformation, the invasion of privacy, the mental health challenges — it's all part of the same package. So yes, the tech giants are part of the media industry — but they're more than that. They are the media industry now. They've become the new gatekeepers of information. And while they promise freedom, access, and innovation, they also hold immense power over what we see, what we know, and how we feel. The real challenge isn't just recognising this power — it's deciding what to do with it. Should we regulate them? Should we limit our use? Should we demand more transparency? These are the questions we need to start asking, not just as consumers, but as citizens of a digital world. * Aisha Fahmy Mohd Zulhery Fahmy is an undergraduate student of Universiti Malaya, taking an elective university course entitled 'Introduction to Journalism and Storytelling in Digital Age'. ** This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail.
Geeky Gadgets
04-06-2025
- Business
- Geeky Gadgets
Social Media : The Shocking Truth About AI-Generated Content on Your Feed
What happens when the very platforms designed to connect us become overrun by machines? Imagine scrolling through your favorite social media feed, only to realize that the witty captions, stunning visuals, and even the influencers themselves might not be human. This isn't a distant dystopian vision—it's the reality unfolding as artificial intelligence reshapes the digital landscape. With AI tools capable of generating massive amounts of content at lightning speed, the once democratic nature of social media is shifting. Human creators are being drowned out in a sea of algorithmically optimized, machine-made posts, forcing businesses and individuals alike to rethink how they engage with their audiences. Kallaway explores the profound implications of AI's rise in social media, from the erosion of organic reach to the growing need for paid promotion. You'll uncover how AI-generated content is transforming visibility and authenticity, and why traditional strategies like consistent, high-quality posting are no longer enough to guarantee success. But it's not all bad news—hidden within these challenges are opportunities to adapt, innovate, and even thrive. By understanding the stakes and embracing the tools of this new era, creators and businesses can carve out a space where their voices are not only heard but trusted. The question is: will you evolve with the platforms, or be left behind? AI's Impact on Social Media The rise of AI in social media is not just a technological shift; it is a fantastic force that demands a strategic response. By understanding the implications of AI-generated content and its impact on visibility, creators and businesses can better position themselves to thrive in this new reality. How AI is Reshaping Social Media AI-generated content is fundamentally altering how social media platforms operate. Advanced AI tools can now produce high-quality, engaging posts that are often indistinguishable from those created by humans. For instance, AI avatars are not only attracting real followers but are also generating revenue and building their own brands. This trend is expected to accelerate, with some experts predicting a 10,000-fold increase in AI-driven content by 2030. However, this surge in content comes with a significant downside: oversaturation. Social media platforms, designed to prioritize engagement, often favor AI-generated material due to its scalability and precision. As a result, organic posts from human creators are increasingly struggling to gain visibility. For creators and businesses, this means that relying solely on organic reach is becoming less viable. Paid promotion is emerging as a necessary strategy to maintain visibility and engagement. The implications of this shift are profound. Social media is no longer a level playing field where consistent, high-quality content guarantees success. Instead, it is becoming a competitive arena where AI-driven efficiency often outpaces human creativity. To remain relevant, creators and businesses must adapt their strategies to use AI while finding ways to stand out in an increasingly crowded digital space. Challenges for Creators and Businesses The rise of AI-generated content presents significant challenges for creators and businesses that rely on social media to connect with their audiences. The sheer volume of AI-driven material is making it harder for organic posts to gain traction. Social media algorithms, which prioritize engagement and profitability, often amplify AI-generated content, further reducing the visibility of human-created posts. This shift is forcing creators and businesses to rethink their approach to social media. Traditional strategies, such as building an audience through consistent, high-quality content, are being disrupted. Paid promotion is no longer an optional tactic—it is becoming a cornerstone of any effective social media strategy. For many, this marks a turning point in how they engage with their audiences and allocate resources. The challenges extend beyond visibility. As AI-generated content becomes more prevalent, audiences may struggle to differentiate between human and machine-created material. This could erode trust and authenticity, two critical factors for building lasting connections with an audience. To navigate these challenges, creators and businesses must find ways to maintain their unique voice and establish themselves as trusted authorities in their niches. Social Media Has an AI Problem! Watch this video on YouTube. Here are more guides from our previous articles and guides related to Artificial Intelligence (AI) that you may find helpful. Adapting to the New Reality To succeed in an AI-dominated social media landscape, creators and businesses need to adopt proactive strategies that use AI while reducing their reliance on social media platforms. Here are some actionable steps to futureproof your content strategy: Build a Strong Personal Brand: Establishing a well-defined personal brand can help you stand out in a crowded marketplace. A strong brand identity fosters trust and loyalty, making it easier to connect with your audience. Establishing a well-defined personal brand can help you stand out in a crowded marketplace. A strong brand identity fosters trust and loyalty, making it easier to connect with your audience. Embrace AI Tools: Use AI to streamline your content creation process. AI can help you produce more material with greater efficiency, allowing you to focus on building meaningful connections with your audience. Use AI to streamline your content creation process. AI can help you produce more material with greater efficiency, allowing you to focus on building meaningful connections with your audience. Transition to Owned Platforms: Move your audience from social media to platforms you control, such as email lists or private communities. This ensures direct communication and reduces dependency on volatile algorithms. By implementing these strategies, you can position yourself to thrive in a future where AI plays a dominant role in social media. The key is to embrace change, use technology, and focus on building lasting connections with your audience. A Seven-Step Playbook for Success To remain competitive in this evolving landscape, consider following this seven-step playbook: Define clear brand recall terms to establish a unique identity that resonates with your audience. Align your content strategy with your audience's needs and your brand's goals to ensure relevance and impact. Focus on high-volume content creation to increase your visibility and stay competitive. Incorporate AI tools to enhance efficiency and scale your production without compromising quality. Engage directly with your audience through comments and direct messages to build loyalty and trust. Use lead magnets to transition followers from social media to owned platforms like email lists or private communities. Nurture relationships within your owned platforms to maintain engagement and foster long-term connections. This playbook provides a structured approach to navigating the challenges of an AI-driven social media environment. By focusing on these steps, you can build a sustainable strategy that ensures long-term success. Why You Need to Act Now The current period offers a critical window of opportunity to adapt before AI tools become universally accessible and competition intensifies. By taking action now, you can position yourself to succeed in a future where AI dominates social media. The key is to embrace change, use technology, and focus on building lasting connections with your audience. Adapting to this new reality may seem daunting, but it also presents an opportunity to innovate and grow. By staying proactive and strategic, you can navigate the challenges of an AI-driven social media landscape and emerge stronger than ever. Media Credit: Kallaway Filed Under: AI, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
