The Future of Social Media with Ross Dawson

Ross Dawson

Ross Dawson

In this episode, Don MacPherson is joined by Futurist Ross Dawson to discuss the future of social media. They explore the growth of social media over the last two decades, potential forms of regulation, and the role of social media in the coming decades. Ross provides some potential solutions for the negative effects of social media use including nonprofit networks, user ownership of data, and AI technologies for regulating harmful content.

Season Four of 12 Geniuses is dedicated to exploring the future and how life is sure to change over the next decade. This episode explores trends in social media that are reshaping how and why we engage with others over the internet.

Ross Dawson is globally recognized as a leading futurist, keynote speaker, entrepreneur, and authority on business strategy. He is Founding Chairman of the Advanced Human Technologies group of companies, and the bestselling author of four books including the acclaimed Living Networks. Strong global demand has seen him deliver keynote speeches to business and government leaders in over 30 countries, while frequent media appearances include CNN, Bloomberg TV, SkyNews, ABC TV, Today and Sunrise shows, The New York Times, and many others.


Resources From This Episode

Connect with Ross on LinkedIn

Follow Ross on Twitter

Explore Ross’ work on www.RossDawson.com

Connect with Don on LinkedIn

Follow Don on Twitter


Topics Discussed:

  • Harmful content online

  • GDPR

  • Policies for protecting user data

  • Nonprofit social media networks

  • New technologies for social media

  • Political polarization of 2015 & 2016 in America

  • Fake news

  • The role of government in regulating social media

  • Behavioral data

  • The de-platforming of President Trump

  • The rise of social media

  • Facebook

  • LinkedIn

  • Twitter

  • Subscription-based social media

  • The human desire to connect with others

  • The shift in how and why we use social media

  • Business models of social media companies

  • Education around social media

  • Social media as a publishing platform

  • Benefits of social media