Attention Media ≠ Social Networks
Hacker News
February 22, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The era of social networks as genuine platforms for connection is long gone, according to Susam Pal in his article "Attention Media ≠ Social Networks." Once seen as the epitome of Web 2.0, these platforms have evolved into attention-driven media machines that prioritize engagement over meaningful interaction. The shift began with the introduction of infinite scroll and manipulative notifications, turning once-personal updates into endless streams of irrelevant content. Pal reflects on how these changes eroded the essence of social networking, transforming it into a chaotic broadcast of random voices and videos. However, he also highlights alternatives like Mastodon, which harken back to the original vision of user-controlled, small-scale interactions. This evolution raises critical questions about the future of technology and its impact on human connection.
Pal traces the decline of traditional social networks to key turning points, such as the disappearance of a defined "end" to web pages and the proliferation of irrelevant notifications. These changes disrupted users' sense of control and turned platforms into tools for capturing attention rather than fostering meaningful engagement. By 2016, Pal found himself overwhelmed by a constant stream of random content, leading him to abandon mainstream social networks entirely. He describes the experience as akin to standing in front of a loudspeaker broadcasting fragmented conversations, devoid of any real value or relevance.
Despite the decline of traditional platforms, Pal found hope in newer alternatives like Mastodon, which resemble early forms of Twitter. These platforms allow users to curate their own experiences by following only those they find genuinely interesting. Unlike mainstream social networks, these services prioritize user agency and avoid manipulative tactics such as bogus notifications or endless feeds. For Pal, this return to simpler, more
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Originally published on Hacker News on 2/22/2026