Spectra

Taking Back Control of Social Media for Young Adults: More Control, More Context, More Trust

Minji Yoouk

How can we redesign social media to give young adults more control, context, and trust?

Designer Minji Yoouk was inspired to challenge the current dynamics of digital platforms, where opaque algorithms passively shape young users. Through this work, she aims to empower young users to engage more critically, intentionally, and safely.

In today’s digital landscape, complex algorithms prioritize engagement over truth on social media feeds, leaving young adults (ages 18–29) especially vulnerable. As the most active users across platforms, they are constantly exposed to viral, short-form content lacking context and transparency while navigating a critical time in their cognitive development and identity formation. Despite their significance, these impressionable users are often excluded from digital safety and design considerations.

Framework: The Context Empowerment Pyramid

Spectra is a social media experience designed to shift the algorithmic power dynamic—placing young adults back in control of their experience. The project introduces three key interventions:

  1. User-Controlled Feed Adjustments – Allow users to adjust their feed preferences, minimizing algorithmic manipulation and fostering agency in content discovery.

  2. Context-Rich Content Layers – Provide additional layers of information such as source credibility, historical background, and alternative perspectives to enrich understanding.

  3. Algorithm Transparency & Feedback – Visualizations show users why they receive specific content recommendations and let them influence future suggestions, promoting trust and accountability.

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Spectra reframes social media as a space for intentional, informed engagement rather than passive consumption. It encourages healthier digital habits, combats misinformation, and reimagines the relationship between platforms and users—anchored on agency, transparency, and critical thinking.

Minji Yoouk

Minji is a designer exploring how digital products can empower users through transparency, agency, and critical engagement.