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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Business

Let’s call it what it is: antisocial media

Young group of people standing in circle using mobile phones outside.
One reader takes exceotio to the term ‘social’ media. Photograph: Getty

Why is it that in the coverage of the downsides of the activities of the tech bros’ platforms, the term “social media” is used (Ministers may try to curb spread of misinformation during social unrest, 6 June). “Social” implies care, consideration and cooperation. It’s time commentators dumped this cosy terminology and named it for what it is – antisocial media.
Colin Hines
Twickenham, London

• Michael Peel (Letters, 3 June) rightly says that AI has no empathy, but it can appear otherwise. On “hearing” my exclamation of “Oh no!” while watching nestlings being devoured by a predator on the TV show Springwatch, a convincingly concerned voice from my phone asked: “Are you alright? Can I help?”
Barbara McDowell
Ludlow, Shropshire

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