My sense is that there is abundant evidence of something, but I'm unable to judge the holistic effect size and direction.
My default perspective is that because humans are so adaptable, every technology shapes our world views. TikTok and Instagram impact us, but so does the plow and shovel. We have research that shows IG harming self-image in some segments of teen girls; what I have not seen evaluated much is how Youtube DIY videos bring self-esteem through teaching people skills on how to make things. These platforms also connect people - my wife had a very serious but rare complication in pregnancy, and her mental health was massively improved by being able to connect with a group of women who had been through/were going through something similar.
My overall point is that it's not very interesting to me to say that technology shapes our world views. Which views? In which way, to what extent? Is it universal, or a subpopulation? Are there prior indications, or does it incept these views? Which views? How much good or harm? How do we balance that?
But what we are left with is a very small view through the keyhole of a door into a massive room that is illuminated with a flickering flashlight. We then glom onto whatever evidence supports our biases and preconceptions, ignoring that which is unstated, unpopular, or violates our sense of the world.
My default perspective is that because humans are so adaptable, every technology shapes our world views. TikTok and Instagram impact us, but so does the plow and shovel. We have research that shows IG harming self-image in some segments of teen girls; what I have not seen evaluated much is how Youtube DIY videos bring self-esteem through teaching people skills on how to make things. These platforms also connect people - my wife had a very serious but rare complication in pregnancy, and her mental health was massively improved by being able to connect with a group of women who had been through/were going through something similar.
My overall point is that it's not very interesting to me to say that technology shapes our world views. Which views? In which way, to what extent? Is it universal, or a subpopulation? Are there prior indications, or does it incept these views? Which views? How much good or harm? How do we balance that?
But what we are left with is a very small view through the keyhole of a door into a massive room that is illuminated with a flickering flashlight. We then glom onto whatever evidence supports our biases and preconceptions, ignoring that which is unstated, unpopular, or violates our sense of the world.