How to Navigate The Evolving Social Media Landscape w/ Digital Rights Lawyer Nana Nwachukwu

In this eye-opening and thought-provoking episode, Lily sits down with Nana Nwachukwu, a digital rights expert and affiliate at Harvard University's Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society, to unpack the hidden world of social media algorithms. From shadow banning to echo chambers, they break down the complex relationship between profit-driven tech companies and our online experiences. It's a human conversation about how we can reclaim our digital wellbeing and rebuild real-world connections in an increasingly online world. Whether you're a tech enthusiast or just someone who scrolls through social media, this episode offers practical insights and a refreshing perspective on finding balance in the digital age.Note: all views are myself and Nana's own.Chapters:00:00 - Welcome & Introduction to Lab Coats and Yoga Mats02:18 - Shadow Banning & Algorithm Control: Who's Really Deciding What You See?04:41 - Meet Nana: From Law to Digital Rights Advocacy09:08 - How Social Media Platforms Hide Content11:33 - The Profit Paradox: Can We Trust Companies to Put Users First and What Can We Do?15:46 - The Echo Chamber Effect: Why Having Full Control Isn't the Answer20:08 - Digital Footprints: What Do They Really Know About Us?24:44 - The Dark Side of Algorithms: When AI Meets Human Vulnerability31:39 - Case Study: Diet Culture & Digital Harm36:25 - The Transparency Problem: Why We Need Better Tech Laws40:43 - Practical Steps: Protecting Yourself Online Without Going Off-Grid43:10 - The Loneliness Factor: Why We're All So Obsessed with Being Online47:30 - Building Real Communities in a Digital World49:47 - Final Thoughts: The Simple Joy of Saying Hello and Touching Grass52:01 - Host's Reflection: Finding Balance in Our Digital Lives