Week 7: The role of platform governance in shaping the creative economy and its implications for creators from marginalized communities
In the rapidly evolving digital landscape, the role of platform governance in shaping the creative economy has become a topic of critical importance. The article “Platform governance at the margins: Social media creators’ experiences with algorithmic (in)visibility” by Brooke Erin Duffy and Colten Meisner provides an insightful examination of this issue, particularly its implications for creators from marginalized communities.
The authors highlight how the inscrutable socio-technical systems of platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok can create challenges for social media creators. These platforms enact governance unevenly through formal or informal means, influencing creators’ practices and leading to self-censorship and efforts to circumvent algorithmic intervention. This is particularly impactful for creators from marginalized communities, who are systematically disadvantaged by these regimes of discipline and punishment.
This issue is further complicated by the lack of transparency in algorithmic decision-making. As the World Economic Forum’s report on Agile Governance for Creative Economy 4.0 points out, the creative economy is being transformed by the Fourth Industrial Revolution. However, the lack of agile governance - a more adaptive, human-centered, and sustainable policy approach - can hinder the growth of creative economies.
Moreover, the experiences of marginalized creators on platforms like TikTok reveal the stark reality of these challenges. These creators often face discrimination, suppression of content, and capped views, all under the guise of anti-bullying measures. This not only stifles their creativity but also limits their opportunities for economic development.
In conclusion, the role of platform governance in shaping the creative economy has profound implications for creators from marginalized communities. It is crucial for us to advocate for more transparency, fairness, and inclusivity in platform governance. This will not only foster a more diverse and vibrant creative economy but also ensure that all creators, regardless of their background, have equal opportunities to thrive.
References:
Duffy, BE, Poell, T & Nieborg, DB 2019, ‘Platform Practices in the Cultural Industries: Creativity, Labor, and Citizenship’, Social Media + Society, vol. 5, no. 4, p. 205630511987967.
Potrel, V 2021, ‘Council Post: How Can You Make the Creative Platform Economy Work for You?’, Forbes, viewed 1 April 2024, <https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbescommunicationscouncil/2021/07/09/how-can-you-make-the-creative-platform-economy-work-for-you/?sh=1e6801861979>.
Pearce, KE, Gonzales, A & Foucault Welles, B 2020, ‘Introduction: Marginality and Social Media’, Social Media + Society, vol. 6, no. 3, p. 205630512093041.