Social media platforms are often described as essential tools, but after reading this week's module, it demonstrates how deeply they are shaped by power, identity, and access. Online communities such as Black Twitter show how marginalized groups can create spaces for cultural expression, political discussion, and collective support, and space to allow for individuals to share experiences without being filtered through mainstream narratives. But at the same time, the fragility of these communities is a concern; platform changes and data loss, along with algorithm shifts, can quickly disrupt communities that took years to build.
Another important concept is privacy. The frequency of users sharing personal information is growing, and they may not fully understand how their data is being stored, tracked, or monetized. The tension between visibility and vulnerability on social media can turn into a place where people can be harassed or watched over intensely by big corporations.