Autumn 2024: Key Developments in Social Media

What are the news of social media in 2024?

As the leaves turn orange and the air gets from day to day crisper and colder, the world of social media continues to evolve at a rapid pace.

This autumn, in 2024, several significant developments have emerged, shaping how we interact online and consume content. This is not something new, it’s hard to follow every changes bit let see the most important one.

Here are some of the most noteworthy trends and news in social media for autumn 2024.

1. Safer Phones Bill: Protecting Young Users

A landmark piece of legislation, the Safer Phones Bill, is making waves in the UK. Introduced by Labour MP Josh MacAlister, this bill aims to make social media less addictive for under-16s by raising the age for data consent from 13 to 16. It also proposes a ban on mobile phones in schools to protect children from the potential harms of excessive screen time. This move is part of a broader effort to create a safer digital environment for young users.

2. Digital News Consumption Shifts

The 2024 Digital News Report by the Reuters Institute highlights a significant shift in how people consume news. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube are becoming increasingly important for news consumption, especially among younger audiences. The report also notes a growing trend of news avoidance and concerns about misinformation. This shift underscores the changing landscape of media consumption and the role of social media in shaping public opinion.

3. Influencers Filling News Gaps

Dont underestimate the importance of social media!

In regions with restricted access to mainstream news, young social media influencers are stepping up to fill the void. Influencers in places like Gaza and Yemen are documenting the realities of life on the ground, providing a crucial source of information for their followers. This trend highlights the power of social media to give a voice to those in challenging circumstances and to offer alternative perspectives on global events.

4. AI in Social Media

Artificial intelligence continues to play a significant role in social media, from content moderation to personalized recommendations. The integration of AI is helping platforms manage vast amounts of data and improve user experiences. However, it also raises questions about privacy, bias, and the ethical use of AI in shaping what we see online. We can not stop AI, but we still don’t know (as a society), what to do with it.

5. Regulatory Changes and Challenges

Governments worldwide are grappling with how to regulate social media effectively. The UK’s Online Safety Act, DSA for EU or S.1409 in the USA. which aims to protect (especially underaged) users from harmful content, is a step in this direction, but many argue it doesn’t go far enough. As social media continues to influence every aspect of our lives, finding the right balance between regulation and freedom of expression remains a critical challenge which must be adressed.

As you could see in this article, this autumn, the social media landscape is marked by significant legislative efforts, shifts in news consumption, and the growing influence of AI. As we navigate these changes, it’s essential to stay informed and most importantly, critically engage with the content we consume. Social media will undoubtedly continue to evolve, it’s up to us, what we do with it as it definitly will bring both opportunities and challenges to our lifes in the months and years ahead.

What are your thoughts on these developments? How do you think they will impact your social media experience? Share in comments!

Source:

Digital News Report 2024 – Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism. https://reutersinstitute.politics.ox.ac.uk/digital-news-report/2024.

Overview and key findings of the 2024 Digital News Report. https://reutersinstitute.politics.ox.ac.uk/digital-news-report/2024/dnr-executive-summary.