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

Abstract

PurposeThis paper aims to explore several factors that indicate the way the internet is structured may be near an inflection point.Design/methodology/approachThis 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.FindingsThe internet’s structure may be about to undergo a dramatic shift and imagine new roles for ourselves.Originality/valueDeepening our understanding of these trends allows libraries to reflect on themselves and their future role.