NSU Undergraduate Law Journal
Abstract
The pervasive influence of social media platforms extends far beyond digital interaction, shaping human behavior, manipulating democratic processes, and exploiting user data with minimal oversight. Through the attention economy, these platforms employ algorithms designed to maximize engagement at the expense of users’ autonomy, fostering addiction and cognitive dependency. Manipulative terms and conditions further entrench corporate control, binding users to contracts with the very companies that obscure the extent of data collection and limit legal recourse. The Cambridge Analytica scandal laid bare the dangers of unregulated data harvesting, demonstrating how personal information can be weaponized for political and economic gain.
Beyond individual harm, the unchecked power of social media corporations presents an existential threat to democratic integrity. The prioritization of engagement over truth accelerates the spread of misinformation and disinformation, while profit-driven algorithms amplify political polarization. Despite their immense societal impact, these platforms remain largely unregulated, evading meaningful accountability through strategic lobbying and the minimization of associated risks.
Addressing these concerns necessitates a multifaceted approach, including the implementation of stricter consumer protections, enhanced transparency in data practices, and legislative intervention to curtail corporate overreach. Strengthening digital literacy is equally critical in empowering users to navigate the online landscape with greater awareness. As the influence of social media deepens, legal and regulatory frameworks must evolve to safeguard fundamental rights, ensuring that these platforms serve the public interest rather than perpetuating corporate exploitation.
Recommended Citation
Scott, Laeila
(2025)
"The Ethics of Exploitation: How Social Media Profits from Attention, Addiction, and Data Manipulation,"
NSU Undergraduate Law Journal: Vol. 1, Article 2.
Available at:
https://nsuworks.nova.edu/nulj/vol1/iss1/2