The reason why certain individuals are generally online on Facebook is not entirely clear. Many individuals report that they don’t use the internet much, but in focus groups, the majority of Indonesians talk enthusiastically about the site. This discrepancy was attributed to the fact that they weren’t aware of the existence of the internet. Then, researchers from the LIRNEasia think tank, which Galpaya heads, were able to find an explanation for this anomaly.
Several factors contribute to Facebook users’ lack of activity. The “fear of missing out” phenomenon is one factor that resonates with only a small percentage of the population. For example, 57% of Facebook users with children under 18 dislike the fact that someone posts a picture of their child without permission. Similarly, people use the site for a different set of reasons for women than men. But what exactly is the most compelling reason for certain individuals to be online on Facebook?
Recent media investigations into political influence have revealed that Facebook is attempting to influence public discourse through its algorithms. For example, the social network’s recommendation algorithm was overhauled in 2018 and prioritized controversial content, according to the Wall Street Journal. The new algorithm was designed to show users content related to their interests and values based on their preferences, and the results of the study were revealing. If Facebook is trying to make itself transparent, more data would be helpful.