For example, social media are now increasingly discussed in relation to affective and ideological polarisation, and negative mental health outcomes. In addition, the scale advantages and network effects of social media has led to a situation in which most major platforms are controlled by a small set of Silicon Valley technology companies (in Western societies), with local actors operating in, for example, Russia and China.
This master's project revolves around exploring the core dynamics of social media, with the aim of identifying and testing more sustainable social media. This will entail studying the basic mechanics of existing platforms, evaluating the challenges associated with them, and coming up with proof-of-concepts, dummies, drafts, or proposals for better alternatives. The candidate could, for example, come up with a proposal for alternative local (Norwegian or EU, for example) new social media, or ways to improve existing offerings. The candidate could focus on comprehensive or specialised social media, and the project will be scoped with the supervisors.
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