Social media has become an essential part of our lives, and its influence on politics and democracy has become a hotly debated topic. Most people, however, believe that on the whole, social media has had a positive effect on their democracy, despite some of its more negative aspects. Americans are an outlier, with only 34% believing it has been a good thing, compared to the global median of 57%. Despite the potential for manipulation, division and a lack of civility, people believe it has made them more informed and empowered, and has been effective in raising public awareness and influencing decisions. Age also plays a role, with young adults more likely to see the positive effects of social media. Read full article here
Oddities
Why Do Modern Pop Songs Have So Many Credited Writers?
The music industry has changed dramatically over the last few decades – with the number of songwriters credited on number one hits more than doubling. This is due to a combination of factors, including money, the computer and a changing definition of what songwriting is. For example, if The Beatles’ classic “I Feel Fine” was released today, it would likely have four writers credited instead of two, due to the influence of producers, samples and interpolations. With the rise of lawsuits, artists now preemptively add songwriter credits to their songs, even if the similarities between their song and the source material are coincidental. It all goes to show that the music industry is becoming more complex and competitive. Read full article here
Merv
March 29, 2023
