284- What They Don't Want You to Know About Your Feed with Tim O'Hearn
- Author
- Elias Marty
- Published
- Sun 29 Jun 2025
- Episode Link
- None
Social media platforms operate through deceptive practices and hidden mechanics that most users never see or understand. Tim O'Hearn, a former software engineer who once ran a business selling automated Instagram followers, shares insider knowledge about the dark side of our digital landscape.
• In 2018, approximately 30% of Instagram activity was computer-generated, with bots talking to other bots
• Shadow banning allows platforms to restrict user reach without notification, keeping users engaged while effectively silencing them
• Blue checkmark verification systems evolved from impersonation protection to status symbols, creating a black market where people paid $5,000-$15,000 for verification
• Advertisers wield enormous influence over content policies, forcing platforms to implement features like hidden dislike counts on YouTube
• Bot activity continues despite platform crackdowns because the financial incentives for automated engagement remain strong
• Social media companies prioritize advertiser relationships over user experience, making decisions that serve financial interests rather than community needs
• AI-generated content further complicates the landscape, making it increasingly difficult to distinguish authentic from artificial engagement
Check out Tim O'Hearn's book "Frame: A Villain's Perspective on Social Media" to learn more about the hidden mechanics of social platforms and how to navigate them more effectively.
Check episode 254
Check episode 146
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2308824/episodes/14752522-146-interview-with-the-wise-dr-ravi-y-iyer
Follow Tim O'Hearn at
His Collection of links
https://www.tjohearn.com/links/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/tohearn/
Beehiiv
https://timohearn.beehiiv.com/
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YouTube and Rumble for video content
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUxk1oJBVw-IAZTqChH70ag
https://rumble.com/c/c-4236474
Facebook to receive updates
https://www.facebook.com/EliasEllusion/
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https://x.com/politicallyht
