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Notre Dame Burns
Social platforms utilized included primarily Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. The accidental fire started in Notre Dame sparked more than physical destruction; it also sparked widespread social media debate. As news spread, and wealthy individuals vowed to donate toward rebuilding this beloved building— a controversy emerged and exploded over the preservation of history vs. the prioritization of materialistic endeavors (over real world problems such as homelessness and hunger). -
Period: to
Social media disruption impacts: 5 years
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Covid-19 Pandemic
Primary social media platforms included Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and Twitter. Social media amplified the disruption of this health pandemic through the spread of consistent news updates, lockdown protocols, health advisories, conspiracies, vaccination information, and more. Social media played a key role during the lockdown period. Governmental tactics to control public conversation and behavior ran rampant by banning certain words and topics from posts. -
US Military Withdrawal from Afghanistan
Primary social media platforms utilized throughout this disruption included Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and Twitter. Following the withdrawal of the United States, social users amplified stories of families and individuals harmed by the decision— as well as highlighting which parties were to blame for the disaster (President Biden, for example). -
Roe v. Wade Overturned
Primary social media platforms utilized to amplify conversation concerning abortion and legal rights included Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and Twitter. Social media users shared personal stories, expressed opinions (both religious and political in nature), demanded change, and organized protests— tactics employed to sway opinion and support in one way or another. -
Emergence of Accessible AI
While Chat GPT was released in late 2022, conversation didn’t quite explode until 2023. After an eventual influx of shared AI-generated content and new AI features on platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and X, users were quick to engage in debate. They discussed the morality and possible dangers of widespread artificial intelligence accessibility and use. Predictions and well as conspiracy theories emerged; with users divided between positive and negative perceptions. -
Hurricane Helene
Public opinion was quick to expand upon platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Reddit and YouTube. While discussion initially focused upon relief efforts and photos/stories from Florida and North Carolina, users soon began to both engage in and share conspiracy theories fueled by misinformation. These discussions actually resulted in retreat of some volunteer organizations, mainly governmental, due to threats of violence.