The Power of Social Media: ISBN 978-1-6782-0348-1 / eBook: 978-1-6782-0349-8
WASHYARG, May 1, 2023
The Power of Social Media is a nonfiction book that focuses on how people use social media influence for all different types of motives, including social movements, money, and to spread information, or misinformation. The book uses many relevant examples that will resonate with middle and high school students such as TikTok, The Kardashians, and the Black Lives Matter movement. This book could act as a supplement to digital citizenship lessons, and some students may be interested it reading it for pleasure.
Recommended Age: Middle School, Junior High, High School
Micaela Gunderson, Rose Hill & Stella Schola Middle Schools
The Power of Social Media: ISBN 978-1-6782-0348-1 / eBook: 978-1-6782-0349-8
Kirkus Reviews, August 1, 2022
Social media is a powerful force in today's world: What are its risks and benefits?
The introduction describes the power of social media to organize and mobilize protestors in Cairo, Egypt, during the Arab Spring of 2011 and in Washington, D.C., during the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol. It goes on to explain how social media platforms generate profits by collecting personal data on users and accentuating negative content to heighten engagement. Kallen then goes on to explore this phenomenon in more depth: Using the Black Lives Matter and climate action movements as examples, he shows social media raising public awareness. He talks about influencers, describes click farms that generate followers, and explains how social media can harm physical and mental health. The books spotlights QAnon conspiracy theories and the algorithms Facebook and YouTube use to push controversial, anger-provoking posts that attract and maintain attention. Examples of political manipulation and social control through social media in China and India expand the focus beyond U.S. borders. The final chapter covers efforts to counteract the negative effects of social media. The exposition is straightforward and clearly organized. Kallen uses numerous quotations to bolster his arguments. His concern for readers’ well-being is evident throughout as he offers them advice and encouragement for making social media a positive force in their lives.
A timely reminder for teens. (photo credits, source notes, organizations and websites, further research, index) (Nonfiction. 12-18)