Lecture
This lecture explores the business models behind popular platforms like Google and Facebook, focusing on the dynamics between customers, advertisers, and the platform itself. It delves into the history of social networks, the rise of two-sided markets, and the impact of targeted advertising on user experiences. The lecture also discusses the consequences of filter bubbles, where recommender systems limit exposure to new ideas, and the challenges of online harassment. Additionally, it examines the role of technology in shaping political discourse, with case studies from the 2016 US election and Brexit vote, as well as the use of social media by political figures like Donald Trump.