The Hidden Cost of Social Media

Social media feels like a gift. You can connect with friends, share your life,

build a business, or even go viral — all without spending a dime. But here’s the truth:

nothing online is ever truly free. When you sign up, you’re not the customer — you’re the product.

The advertisers, the brands, the data brokers — they’re the real customers.

And what they’re buying is you. Your time. Your attention. Your behavior.

Your emotions. Social media companies collect every tap, every scroll, every pause.

They build detailed digital profiles that can predict what you’ll like, who you’ll date,

what you’ll buy, even when you’ll be sad.