Open and closed social networks: the pros and cons
Today, 3.6 billion people are on social media. But where, exactly?
There is more to social media than what the public sees on open social networks. Closed social networks, fueled by the simple beauty of privacy, host multitudes of users who find deep satisfaction in the intimacy of the niche communities.
Both open and closed social networks bring people together, but in unique digital spheres. Let’s explore the pros and cons.
Pros of open social networks
Reach. Organizations, public figures, micro-influencers and the everyday person alike can provide content that has the potential to reach millions. And on the flip side, anyone who has access to an open social network has endless content at their fingertips.
Exposure to a variety of thoughts and opinions. In a world where the majority of people seek like-minded company, open social networks acquaint users with viewpoints that often contradict their own, therefore encouraging a potentially greater number of open-minded thinkers.
Opportunity to make informed evaluations. Open social networks allow users to learn more about people and organizations so that they can form more inclusive opinions. Consumers might browse a store’s Facebook page before buying products; parents might vet their teen’s new boyfriend with an Instagram scan; and hiring managers might screen applicants by investigating their Twitter accounts.
Pros of closed social networks
Meaningful, authentic engagement. Meaningful engagement is at the heart of closed social networks. Last year, I joined a women’s ketogenic dieting group for class research purposes, and I was blown away by the support and encouragement among the members — from keto flu to carb withdrawals, their sisterhood sustained them.
Rich community. I would not be surprised if members of closed social networks know one another better than their next-door neighbors. In a fast-paced society, this is the reality. Closed social networks provide a feeling of fellowship among users, whether it’s over pumpkin spice lattes or single parenting.
Safe space for discussion of sensitive topics. Despite social movements seeking to normalize the discussion of sensitive topics like mental health, workplace discrimination, etc., closed social networks remain one of the only safe spaces for individuals to release emotions and connect with fellow sufferers. One mental health Facebook group, for example, helped save the lives of two members who were contemplating suicide.
Cons of closed social networks
Potential for rapid spread of misinformation. Due to the private nature of closed social networks, misinformation can spread without hindrance, like this COVID-19 fake news pandemic that affected German-language WhatsApp users in March. In April, WhatsApp took action by introducing a limit on “highly forwarded messages,” and its efforts resulted in a 70% decline.
Echo chambers. Unlike open social networks, where users often encounter opposing perspectives, closed social networks can serve as incubators for homogeneous thinking. In her book “Reclaiming Conversation,” author Sherry Turkle discusses the irony:
“The web promises to make our world bigger. But as it works now, it also narrows our exposure to ideas. We can end up in a bubble in which we hear only the ideas we already know. Or already like.”
Cons of open social networks
Inauthenticity. According to a New York Times Customer Insight Group study, “The Psychology of Sharing,” people share online for five reasons:
I would argue that the act of sharing has the potential to be more powerful and rewarding when in closed social networks, where people do not feel as pressured to present idealized, inauthentic versions of themselves. Open social networks are sometimes plagued with judgment and criticism, suppressing genuine self-expression.
Lack of deep emotional connection. A closed social network might be likened to an intimate dinner and an open social network likened to a big party — the latter leaves far less room for deep emotional connection. In her article for Psychology Today, Dianne Grande discusses the human need for emotional connection:
“Each of us has an innate need to feel safely attached to another person who will be there in our times of physical or emotional need.”
Ultimately, open social networks are crucial to society and the marketplace of ideas, but they don’t always provide the emotional satisfaction of closed social networks.
