Part V - Risks | Chapter 16

Societal Risks

Manipulation, consumption pressure, norm shifts, filter bubbles, and the threat to pluralistic public discourse.

Core theses of the chapter

The societal risks of the partner economy include manipulation, consumption pressure, referral pressure, and the shifting of consumption norms. Algorithms can amplify extreme or problematic content.

Filter bubbles and the opinion power of individual actors threaten pluralistic discourse. The balance between commercial efficiency and democratic public requires active design.

Tables

The following tables systematize the core contents of the chapter.

Table 16.1: Societal Risk Dimensions

Risk dimension Mechanism Affected groups Possible consequences
Manipulation Covert commercial influence Consumers Wrong decisions, loss of trust
Consumption pressure FOMO, Social Comparison, Deal-Stress Consumers, especially young people Financial burden, psychological stress
Referral pressure Monetization of social relationships Social Networks Relationship strain, loss of authenticity
Norm Shift Deals as standard, inflated consumer ideals Society Unrealistic expectations, dissatisfaction
Filter bubbles Algorithmic homogenization Public Fragmentation, polarization
Opinion power Concentration among a few players Democratic discourses Endangerment of pluralism

Sources

The following sources were used in this chapter.

Pew Research Social Media & Society 2024 Impact of social media on societal discourse. www.pewresearch.org/internet/
CMPF Media Pluralism Monitor 2024 Risks for media pluralism. cmpf.eui.eu/media-pluralism-monitor/
Journal of Consumer Research Social Comparison & Consumption 2024 Psychological effects of consumption comparisons. academic.oup.com/jcr/
Digital Trust Research Manipulation Awareness Study 2024 Consumer awareness of commercial influence. www.digitaltrustresearch.org/
Status: January 2026
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