The future of social media is looking more like a network of platforms that offer people a customized experience. Take Threads, for instance, Meta's attempt to build a Twitter replacement.

This is the anti-social century. Over the past few months, I’ve spoken with psychologists, political scientists, sociologists, and technologists about America’s anti-social streak.

Lauren Greenfield's latest project, "Social Studies," is a five-part docuseries that looks at teen social media use and its effects. It premieres Friday at Telluride and comes to FX on Sept. 27.

The country is sliding from an era of politics forged by social connections at the neighborhood level to one where cultural and ideological polarization dominates.

Thus they require presence. Presence can be participatory, as in a game or in a MUD, or remote, as in voyeurism. Either way, it exposes the actor to social norms, cultural customs, and scrutiny.

Look Back: The Elizabethan era and the Mid-Ohio Valley Local columns Oct 16, 2023 Bob Enoch roberteenoch@gmail.com (Look Back with Bob Enoch - Photo Illustration - MetroCreativeConnection) ...