Social media has been around for quite a long time. For example, Facebook turned 20 in 2024. Think about technology from 20 years ago. In 2004, we had flip phones with limited features. Now, we have phones that can have more power than some computers. In 2004, the iPod was considered high-tech. Modern technology has dramatically changed social media, and this post will discuss this. Also, learn how you can buy IG Reels likes using ViralGrowing.

Smartphones and Their Impact on Social Media

When social media first became popular, it was far less mobile. Most people got on MySpace through desktop computers, with laptops being one of the few ways you could enjoy social media on the go, provided you had a good Wi-Fi signal. However, in the early 2010s, smartphones rose in popularity.

Now, people can stay connected at all times. All you need to do is take the phone out of your pocket, and you can update or view someone else's social media. Many social media sites, such as Instagram, became focused on a primarily mobile experience. Also, legacy social media sites began optimizing their site for mobile, be it an app or a mobile site.

Another way that smartphones have impacted social media is with their cameras. In the 2000s, camera phones were usually low-quality. However, current smartphones have cameras that produce high-resolution photos and video. Plus, you can upload your photos and videos directly to the site instead of inserting your memory card into your computer.

While smartphones help people interact with each other more efficiently than ever, there are many unknowns about their impact. For example, some studies have linked constant social media use to poor mental health in kids and even adults.

The Impact of Algorithm Technology on Social Media

In the 2000s, social media was the Wild West. Users would have to search for people they knew manually or explore to find interesting accounts and posts. When they looked at their feeds, it would be posts from people they followed from most recent to oldest.

In the early 2010s, social media began using machine learning algorithms. These algorithms recommend content and people to users based on their interests and other factors. Algorithms took the hassle out of finding the right people to follow, and they could help certain accounts grow if they got trending on the algorithm.

Of course, an algorithm-fueled social media has its drawbacks. Many people have criticized algorithms for keeping people trapped in bubbles. For example, if you hold particular political views, the algorithm may only show you content that confirms, not challenges, not your views. It can warp your perception of the world, making you believe that everyone shares your beliefs. Algorithms can also make you feel like specific issues are bigger deals than they are. Also, if your account has poor standing in the algorithm, it can be challenging to make your voice heard. Finally, the algorithm may make it difficult for you to see content from your friends.

Access to Faster Internet Has Changed the Social Media Landscape

Another product of technology improving is that access to broadband internet has allowed more people, particularly in rural communities, to get on social media. For example, fiber internet has become more accessible in rural communities, with over half of households using it. For more remote areas, satellite or fixed wireless internet is becoming a more accessible option.

Due to this increased access, people in rural communities can connect much more effortlessly. It's also easier than ever for people to upload and watch high-resolution photos and videos and video chat.

AR and VR have Added New Options

In the 2010s, another technological revolution changed how social media was used. That was augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR). AR adds digital elements to real elements via a phone's camera. One example of this is through photo filters. Photo filters can change a person’s expression, make them look older and younger, add some interesting effects, and be an excellent way for brands to have a creative social media marketing campaign.

Meanwhile, VR technology has also changed how social media works. VR goggles can put you in a virtual world and let you interact with other virtual avatars. In fact, Facebook changed its company name to Meta to reflect metaverses. Metaverses are virtual communities, and VR helps bring the metaverse experience to life.

How Artificial Intelligence Is Changing Social Media

The 2020s have brought the AI revolution, and it's changing the social media landscape in several ways.

For social media marketers, AI has helped streamline their content strategy, quickly generating ideas or images. AI chatbots can make communicating with brands' social media accounts easier than ever, requiring less human input. Generative AI can create images for social media without the hassle of doing it by hand.

However, AI has also brought forth many concerns—for example, misinformation. Deepfakes can make it look like someone is saying something they aren't and can be harmful. Another example is AI-generated images. With generative AI improving, it can deceive people, especially those not aware of AI, to believe events are happening that aren't. While fake photos and misinformation have always been an issue on social media, AI has brought a new challenge in combating it, especially during this Wild West period. The technology is quickly becoming more advanced, and many people believe regulations are required. Whether that will happen is yet to be known.

The Future

The technological world can be unpredictable. As we enter the mid-2020s, new technologies may emerge that can change how social media works. We can't see into a crystal ball and tell you what the future will bring. However, we assure you that the newest technologies will change the social media landscape somehow. As you can see from the previous advancements, technology can change social media for the good, but it also has drawbacks and concerns. We hope this article was helpful to you.