Social media metrics like likes and followers have become akin to currency, serving to enhance social status rather than facilitate communication. The impact of these metrics on political discourse is debated; some scholars claim they foster diverse viewpoints, while others argue they create polarization via filter bubbles. However, empirical studies show mixed results. Drawing on Hannah Arendt's idea of the 'social,' the article suggests that the quantification of social status, rather than just algorithmic personalization, is a significant factor behind online polarization, transforming traditionally private matters into public concerns.
Metrics such as likes and shares on social media parallel financial currencies, emphasizing their role in acquiring social status rather than merely serving practical communication needs.
Hannah Arendt's concept of the 'social' offers a framework for understanding how quantified metrics on social media contribute to polarization, suggesting that these metrics influence our public discourse.
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