Assuming that data survives somehow beyond decades into centuries, I’m curious how social media may be used by future digital archeologist. There are already archives of websites that date back 25 years or more. I can even find some of my early web design works in those archives.
How future generations will view us as people. Assuming that remnants of our data remain somewhere accessible, they will be afforded an unprecedented glimpse not only into our individual identities, but to measure our societies as a whole with a personal lens that typically isn’t afforded to those researching the past.
The gradual flux of sociopolitical perspectives, the fluid shifts in morality, and wax and wane of outrage. The self-assured moments where everyone *knows* their current perspectives and ideas are set in stone and unwavering. What will they think of us? Really.
As someone who steps away from social media for months at a time, I find the strange accelerated flow of group thought to be fascinating. I never really notice it when I was engaged daily, but introducing long absences has resulted in each return being to a somewhat alien landscape. It’s subtle yet definite.
There is a sort of weird collective amnesia, and embrace of “the moment” as if it has always been. A strange localized steadfastness of people who become enraged at the slightest suggestion that their current perspectives are not a universal truth—not even their own truths across the linear span of engagement. So many varied beliefs, and all of them irrefutable.
This weird digital ecosystem evolves at an alarming pace, and observing it periodically often leaves me adrift during each return visit. I can only imagine how pronounced that will seem separated by decades or generations.