Concerns About a Platform Society and the Influence of "The Big Five"

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Concerns about a Platform Society and the Influence of "The Big Five"
The emergence of platform societies, characterized by the dominance of digital platforms such as Facebook, Google, and Amazon, has brought about significant societal transformations. While these platforms offer unprecedented connectivity and convenience, they raise concerns regarding privacy, surveillance, algorithmic control, and power concentration.
Concerns about a Platform Society
Privacy and Surveillance
Platform businesses' data collection, storage, and use are significant concerns (Vaidhyanathan, 2018). Platforms leverage personal data for targeted advertising, behavioural profiling, and political manipulation, raising privacy concerns. Vaidhyanathan (2018) points to Facebook's Cambridge Analytica debacle, where millions of users' data was collected without authorization.
Algorithmic Control and Filter Bubbles
According to Van Dijck et al. (n.d), Platforms personalize and curate material using algorithms. This can improve user experience and create filter bubbles where users only see stuff that agrees with them (Van Dijck et al., n.d). Echo chambers and polarization can impair democracy and social cohesiveness.
Power Concentration
"The Big Five"-Amazon, Apple, Facebook, Google, and Microsoft dominate society, raising concerns about their power and influence. These platforms dominate data, public conversation, and digital infrastructure (Vaidhyanathan, 2018). A few powerful businesses can restrict competition, innovation, and consumer choice, threatening a varied and democratic digital ecosystem.
Impact of "The Big Five" on Our Lives
Facebook, one of "The Big Five," has dramatically impacted our social connections. The platform has globalized communication; however, it has been blamed for spreading misinformation, dividing society, and worsening mental health issues owing to social comparison and screen time (Vaidhyanathan, 2018). Google, another member of "The Big Five," is synonymous with online search and information retrieval. People may need more diverse content due to the platform's algorithms. Ranking algorithms favour popular material, causing fake news and echo chambers.
Disinformation: Unmasking the Illusion of Truth (Example of Disinformation)
A popular social media post claimed that a particular brand of household cleaning goods might treat COVID-19. The post showed cleaning items and claimed their v...