Let’s call it what it is: antisocial media | Brief letters

Editor's take

The author argues that the term "social media" is a misnomer for platforms like Facebook and X, suggesting "antisocial media" is more fitting given their documented negative societal impacts.

This reframing is significant because it directly challenges the established narrative and the perceived purpose of these platforms, highlighting the disconnect between their marketing and their actual consequences. It speaks to a growing public and political unease with the unchecked influence of Big Tech.

Future discussions should focus on whether this linguistic shift gains traction among policymakers and the public, and if it can translate into meaningful regulatory action that addresses the documented harms, rather than merely tweaking algorithms.