How Social Media Endangers Knowledge - Hossein Derakhs ✓ Solved

How Social Media Endangers Knowledge Author: Hossein Derakhshan

In the essay "How Social Media Endangers Knowledge," Hossein Derakhshan outlines the detrimental effects of social media on the acquisition and dissemination of knowledge. Rather than serving as a platform for informative discourse, social media has transitioned into a medium that prioritizes emotional engagement and instant approval from audiences. This shift threatens the inherent value and meaning of knowledge as society becomes increasingly distracted by image and video content.

Derakhshan begins by discussing the historical pursuit of knowledge, linking it to significant intellectual movements like the Islamic Golden Age and the European Enlightenment. During these periods, scholars aimed to catalog knowledge, considering it essential for understanding the world. In particular, the formation of Wikipedia is positioned as a modern continuation of these historical quests to consolidate human knowledge.

However, Derakhshan argues that the rise of television marked a significant turning point in how knowledge is experienced, particularly in America. He uses Neil Postman's critique of television to underline this change, suggesting that the medium has shifted public discourse from rational argumentation to emotional appeal. Derakhshan posits that social media has only exacerbated this trend by transforming knowledge into a spectacle where emotional engagement is prioritized over thoughtful discourse.

The Transformation of Knowledge Consumption

Derakhshan highlights a concerning trend— the flattening growth rate of contributors to Wikipedia, which he ties to the broader decline in the value placed on knowledge. He posits that social media is partially to blame, as platforms like Facebook and Instagram favor images and entertainment, leading to a culture "that engages us in an endless zest for instant approval" rather than intellectual curiosity.

This transformation indicates a broader societal reluctance to engage with knowledge substantively. The author argues that the principles behind Wikipedia are at risk, as many popular entries revolve around entertainment rather than factual or scholarly content. This shift marks the decline of a once open and inclusive web environment, jeopardizing future generations' access to comprehensive knowledge.

The Role of Emotional Engagement in Knowledge

Derakhshan references Guy Debord's notion that capitalism has transitioned from merely having to appearing—moving from a culture of 'being' to one fixated on 'appearances.' Social media exemplifies this pivot, with platforms prioritizing engagement metrics like "likes" over the substance of the information shared. Users often curate their online personas based on what will garner the most attention, overshadowing genuine knowledge-sharing and discourse.

The Challenges for Institutions and Individuals

As knowledge becomes commodified, institutions like Wikipedia face existential crises. Derakhshan’s observations raise significant questions about the future of knowledge in a landscape dominated by visual culture that prioritizes engagement over critical thinking. Despite the challenges, the author argues that it is essential to adapt and seek new means of preserving and disseminating knowledge in the face of these societal shifts.

Potential Benefits of Intellectual Shift

While Derakhshan is largely critical of social media’s impact, one could argue that the change in intellectual culture also offers potential benefits. For instance, the democratization of knowledge through social media can allow for diverse voices to share information and experiences. Additionally, platforms that emphasize emotional connectivity can foster community and collaboration, albeit often at the expense of traditional knowledge acquisition.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Hossein Derakhshan's essay presents a poignant analysis of how social media endangers knowledge as it shifts our engagement from rational thought to emotional appeal. The implications of this shift could deeply affect our understanding of information and truth. As we navigate this complex landscape, it is vital to cultivate a balance between entertainment and information—ensuring that the pursuit of knowledge remains a cornerstone of our engagement with the world.

References

• Derakhshan, Hossein. "How Social Media Endangers Knowledge." Gale Opposing Viewpoints Online Collection, Gale, 2020.
• Postman, Neil. "Amusing Ourselves to Death: Public Discourse in the Age of Show Business." Penguin Books, 1985.
• Debord, Guy. "The Society of the Spectacle." Black & Red, 1983.
• Kant, Immanuel. "What is Enlightenment?" 1784.
• Diderot, Denis. "Encyclopédie, ou dictionnaire raisonné des sciences, des arts et des métiers." 1751.
• Bacon, Francis. "Novum Organum." 1620.
• Wikipedia contributors. "Wikipedia: About." Wikipedia, 2021.
• Hoder, Hossein Derakhshan. "The Rise of Social Media and its Impact on Knowledge." Wired, 19 Oct. 2017.
• Pool, Ithiel de Sola. "Technologies of Freedom." Belknap Press, 1983.
• Sunstein, Cass R. "Republic.com." Princeton University Press, 2001.