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Social Media Isn't Free: The Hidden Exploitation You're Ignoring

Critique, Social Media and the Information Society

Christian Fuchs, Marisol Sandoval

In this video, we dive into Christian Fuchs and Marisol Sandoval's book 'Critique, Social Media and the Information Society' to expose the dark side of your daily scroll. Forget the myth of a free, democratic internet—social media is a digital factory where your data is the product and your attention is the labor. We break down how platforms like Facebook and Twitter exploit users through 'playbour' (play + labour), turning fun into profit. Discover the global chain of exploitation: from conflict minerals in Congo to sweatshops in China, and the 'bloody Taylorism' behind your smartphone. This isn't just a critique—it's a wake-up call. Watch to understand why the information society is really informational capitalism, and what you can do about it.