Making Social Media Platforms Better For Learning and Discussions

Introduction

In today's digital age, social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram have become powerful tools for communication and information sharing. However, they often prioritize entertainment over education, leading to a lack of meaningful discussions. This paper explores strategies to enhance these platforms for learning and knowledge sharing, particularly by addressing the reluctance of intellectuals to engage in social media due to a lack of incentives. Furthermore, we examine how the current trends in social media consumption can negatively impact knowledge retention and educational standards, particularly in Indonesia.

The Need for Educational Content

The Role of Social Media: Social media has the potential to reach vast audiences, especially younger generations. However, the content is often dominated by entertainment, which can detract from educational value and lead to superficial understanding. In Indonesia, the average IQ is reported to be between 79 and 80, indicating that the educational system may already be struggling. The prevalence of entertaining content can exacerbate this issue by providing quick, engaging distractions rather than promoting critical thinking and in-depth learning.

Engaging the Younger Generation: Young people are more likely to consume content on social media than in traditional academic journals. This trend can result in a decline in knowledge retention and comprehension, as users are often exposed to bite-sized, entertaining clips that do not encourage deeper engagement with the material. Prioritizing educational content on platforms like TikTok can foster a culture of curiosity and critical thinking among youth, but only if the content is designed to promote genuine understanding rather than mere entertainment.

Addressing Intellectuals' Reluctance to Share Knowledge

Lack of Incentives: Many intellectuals are hesitant to share their ideas on social media because they do not see tangible benefits or recognition. Most prefer publishing in academic journals, where their work is validated within a specialized community. Without incentives, the gap between entertainment and education will continue to widen, leaving audiences ill-informed.