Connection and interaction
In 2005, only 5% of US adults used a social media site, compared to today’s 72%, says a 2019 survey. The PEW’s spring 2017 worldwide review found that an adult’s average of 53% across emergent and developing states use social media. Facebook and YouTube have more users than Snapchat and Instagram.
A vital tool for activists
The decade commenced with the Arab Spring, ending with Hong Kong protests. Elsewhere, social media was used to sponsor and establish its causes. In the US, it played a crucial role in movements like #BlackLivesMatter and #MeToo.
Smartphones
The use of mobile connectivity for the internet has significantly risen. 35% of US adults own a smartphone in 2011 compared to now, 81%. Today, 95% of teens (13-17 years) use smartphones, while adults represent 37%.
Impact of screen-time among youths
54% of teenagers over-spend time on phones, while 41% over-spend time on social media, and about one-quarter on video games, a 2018 review found. The rates have decreased, with 52%, 57%, and 58% in cellphones, social media, and games, respectively. Still, 36% of teens’ parents also have an addiction to mobiles, with 39% reporting loss of focus at work for the same.
Data Privacy
Since the Snowden era (2013) in the US, data privacy has raised concerns. Today, 49% of Americans supported exposing classified info, while 44% said its harmful. There have been several data breaches, especially on the exploitation of social media profiles to target users. 84% of Americans feel insecure, while 64% feel concerned about the data collected by government.
The rise of the gig economy
Mobile tech has helped create new jobs and businesses. Also, it sparks debate on regulating firms providing services via apps. Notably, the gig economy comprises ride-hailing and home-sharing.
Online Harassment
Roughly 59% of US teens (13-17 years) report online harassment, primarily via offensive name-calling. 63% of them view harassment as a central problem for teens. Adults represent 41%.
Misinformation
68% of US adults report false news impacts their confidence in gov’t institutions. Half of Americans believe misinformation and fake news is unhealthy for America today.
Discrimination
Tech firms face criticism for discrimination based on gender, ethnicity, and race. 73% say women are discriminated against in tech firms, with 37% quoting it a significant problem. Roughly 68% of black and Hispanic Americans report the same.
The cynical view of tech firms
The number of Americans with a positive outlook on tech firms has sharply decreased since 2015. Four years before, 71% of adults reported a positive impact compared to 50% now. 51% of the public reported strict regulations for major tech firms.
Further Reading: https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2019/12/20/10-tech-related-trends-that-shaped-the-decade/
