“Through the looking glass: envisioning new library technologies” an inflection point for social media and the open Web? Part 2

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to explore several factors that indicate the way the internet is structured may be near an inflection point. Design/methodology/approach This study examines the disruptive effect of TikTok, how demographic changes can rapidly alter social media platforms, as well as social media’s underlying dependencies on advertising. Findings The internet’s structure may be about to undergo a dramatic shift and imagine new roles for ourselves. Originality/value Deepening our understanding of these trends allows libraries to reflect on themselves and their future role.