Weekend Listen: Are we ready for the full integration of AI in social media?

In this episode of 'In This Economy,' host Mike Epple speaks with Professor Richard Lashman from Toronto Metropolitan University about the evolving relationship between social media, artificial intelligence, and society. Drawing on a recent Angus Reid survey and legal developments like court cases against Meta, the discussion explores how platforms have shifted from tools for human connection to hyper-optimized engines for attention, profit, and manipulation. Lashman argues that while social media offers benefits like staying in touch and accessing information, its current design—driven by algorithms, infinite scroll, and data tracking—has eroded trust, deepened polarization, and harmed mental health, especially among youth. He warns that AI integration amplifies these risks, with 85% of Americans expressing concern about AI despite experts being more optimistic. The episode emphasizes that platforms are not self-regulating and that meaningful change requires stronger privacy laws, antitrust enforcement, public pressure, and alternative models like nonprofit or decentralized platforms. Lashman stresses that individuals must demand better, as relying on tech giants to do the right thing is unrealistic. The conversation underscores a central paradox: we are aware of the harms but remain addicted to the platforms. Lashman draws a parallel to diet, urging media consumers to cultivate a 'balanced media diet' that includes diverse perspectives. He highlights successful examples like Apple’s privacy prompts and Roblox’s delayed child safety measures as proof that change is possible when pressure mounts. Ultimately, the episode calls for a collective reimagining of digital platforms—not as profit-first monopolies, but as accountable, ethical spaces that serve society. While the regulatory landscape lags, the growing public awareness suggests a turning point is possible.