Facebook: Passing Go or Going To Jail?
Led by New York's general attorney, Letitia James, Facebook has been accused of monopolisation and breaking anti-trust laws by the US government and 48 states and districts. The argument is that Facebook bought its highest competitors, like Instagram and WhatsApp, with the aim of having complete social media dominance and control.
Facebook bought Instagram for $1bn (£760m) in 2012 and WhatsApp for $19bn (£11.4bn) in 2014. As the table below shows, from 2010 to 2019 the top 4 most used apps are Facebook, Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp and Instagram - all of which Facebook own. It is argued that by Facebook owning the most used apps, they have bought out any real competition, and therefore, controlling the market and humanity. This topic links to that of my previous article on the Netflix docu-drama The Social Dilemma, where it explores how social media completely controls us. And due to its overarching power, Facebook has this control of humanity; humanity which is solely immersed in the world of social media. With this, Facebook also has dominance over our data and activity over the majority of our social media use. As a user myself, and someone who is aware of Facebook possessing all of my data, why do I, and we, continue to use its apps? Why do we put ourselves in a position where Facebook can invade our privacy?
 |
| Source: App Annie via BBC |
Facebook (including Messenger), Instagram and WhatsApp offer different users different things, but does this work in Facebook's (as a company rather than an app) favour or not? Speaking from a Gen Z perspective, I am part of, if not the last, age group that has an active Facebook account, and I only mainly use it to remain connected with old school friends or distant relatives who I do not have on other platforms. Facebook has become a stage for the 'Karens' of the world, so to remain relevant and current did Facebook feel the need to buy the up and coming apps used by the up and coming members of social media - the Gen Zs and even Gen Alpha? Instagram is THE app where people post their 'life' (or the life they want to portray), through photos and WhatsApp is THE messaging app, that connects people on both professional and personal levels. By Facebook buying WhatsApp and Instagram, they not only bought apps with different ways of connecting people but also bought the varied users that came with these apps too.
 |
| Source: Google Trends |
Reviewed by Abigail Gamble
on
Monday, January 11, 2021
Rating:
Keeping you up to date on social media, digital marketing, apps, news & reviews. Social media, and digital marketing as a whole, are rapidly and constantly changing, adapting to new developments at an ever increasing rate. Just keeping up to date can be a nightmare. Our team of writers know their field, and keep an ear to the ground. We aim to keep you informed of all recent developments in the online world, and teach you a little something along the way. So whether you just want to stay connected, or gain some knowledge for yourself, the Social Songbird will keep on singing! More articles are posted every day so keep checking back! Join the discussion on Twitter - #SocialSongbird Or contact us directly - @SocialSongbird_
Entrepreneur, international speaker on Social Media Marketing. First one in the UK to write and speak in conferences about Twitter as a marketing tool. Consultant to Corporate Companies, Government Organizations, Marketing Managers and Business Owners.
Aspiring novelist with a passion for fantasy and crime thrillers. He hopes to one day drop that 'aspiring' prefix. He started as a writer and soon after he was made Executive Editor and Manager of the team at Social Songbird. A position he held for 5 years.
Adrienne is a passionate writer with experience in editing, content creation, and social media marketing. She’s a lover of animals, helping others improve their writing, and 2000s pop culture.
Musician, audio technician, professional tutor and a Cambridge university English student. Interested in writing, politics and obsessed with reading.
Recently graduated with a BA in English Literature from the University of Exeter, and he is about to study an MA in Journalism at the University of Sheffield. He is an aspiring journalist and novelist; in his free time he enjoys playing chess, listening to music and taking long walks through nature.
Lucy is an undergraduate BSc Politics and International Relations student at the London School of Economics and Political Science.
Anna Coopey is a 4th year UG student in Classics at the University of St Andrews in Scotland. She is a keen writer and researcher on a number of topics, varying from Modern Greek literature to revolutionary theory.
Ellie is a recent BA English Literature graduate and aspiring publisher with a passion for writing. Her favourite pastimes include reading and shopping.