Information Bubbles as a Tool of Social Self-creation: from Reality to the Illusion of Prestige

Abstract

Technological development and the breaking down of space-time barriers in communication, characteristic of the digital society, favor the emergence of information bubbles. The content imposed by algorithms tends to reflect on freedom of choice, as it blurs the line between what is the product of an individual’s own will and the information imposed by artifical intelligence. In addition, information bubbles foster social polarization by regularly separating individuals from other visions of reality, which creates social conflicts. They also pose a challenge in terms of creating one’s self-image and self-esteem for humans, who are constantly striving for prestige in the postmodern world. Visions of the perfect body and social status constantly promoted by algorithms negatively affect the psychosocial condition, which poses a challenge especially for young people. This paper aims to discuss postmodern society and the associated challenges of conforming to social expectations. In addition, the authors discuss the concept of information bubbles and reflect on their impact on the quality of social ties and the emergence of risks in the context of psychosocial health.