5 Of the best books about social media
Social media plays a central role in the dissemination of both information and misinformation in the 21st century, ranging from Covid conspiracy theories to recent speculations about Catherine, Princess of Wales.
For those seeking a deeper understanding of social media’s impact, here are 5 titles that delve into how we consume, share, and manipulate information on these platforms.
So You’ve Been Publicly Shamed by Jon Ronson
Journalist and author Jon Ronson argues we live in “a great renaissance of public shaming”, and this book tracks down some of the many victims of online shaming to understand what happened to them as a result. In the process, we learn about Ronson’s own values, question our own, and figure out how we’ve reached a time where an online feed can become a social courtroom.
Doppelganger by Naomi Klein
After getting repeatedly mistaken for feminist-turned-conspiracy-theorist Naomi Wolf online, and then in real life, Naomi Klein penned Doppelganger as an earnest and introspective look at herself. The book explores how conspiracy theories and lies spread quickly through the internet, and how the social and political climate of the physical world manipulates the way we experience online platforms.
While not exclusively about social media, the story behind Doppelganger is a perfect case of the ways our digital lives and identities intersect with what we experience in reality – and how dangerous the repercussions of spreading online lies can be.
Irresistible by Adam Alter
Have you ever found yourself endlessly scrolling through your TikTok ‘for you’ page or fixating on the number of likes on your recent Facebook post? You’re not alone, and Adam Alter’s book delves into the reasons behind our immersion in the digital realm.
He examines what distinguishes online addictions, whether to emails, Instagram, or Netflix, from other forms of addiction. Moreover, Alter warns of the long-term dangers such addictions may pose and offers practical solutions for regaining control over digital habits.
Extremely Online by Taylor Lorenz
Described by journalist Taylor Lorenz as a ‘social history of social media,’ this book utilizes real-life examples of mothers, teenagers, politicians, and influencers to analyze how social media impacts diverse demographics. ‘Extremely Online’ delves into various aspects of social media, from the digital economy and influencer culture to the mechanisms behind viral moments on Twitter, illustrating how these phenomena shape our social interactions and perceptions of the world. Ultimately, the book explores the concept of connection in the digital age and how social media has transformed communication.
TikTok Boom by Chris Stokel-Walker
TikTok stands out as one of the most notable advancements in social media over the past two decades. In this book by journalist and writer Chris Stokel-Walker, the focus is on examining how the app transforms user interactions with content.
Departing from the social-commentary approach of other works, Stokel-Walker employs business and technology analysis to elucidate broader socio-political impacts of the app. By bridging the digital and physical realms, he illustrates the feedback loop between online activities, such as those on TikTok, and real-world phenomena.
5 Of the best books about social media conclusion
Social media has become an indispensable aspect of our daily lives, influencing how we communicate, access information, and foster relationships. To navigate this dynamic landscape effectively, understanding its intricacies and adhering to best practices is essential.
In this fast-paced and interconnected world, a nuanced understanding of social media dynamics empowers individuals to make informed decisions, cultivate meaningful connections, and navigate the digital realm with confidence and proficiency.
Luckily our short list of curated book list is here to help.
