Platform Change: Exploring the Appropriation and Adaptation of Platforms and the Consequent Ongoing Decentering of Users

Research Poster Social & Behavioral Sciences 2025 Graduate Exhibition

Presentation by Ankolika De

Exhibition Number 45

Abstract

My thesis explores how decentered communities—those often marginalized in technological design—adapt to and appropriate rapidly evolving platform technologies. Using qualitative methods, particularly semi-structured interviews, I investigate three case studies that illustrate how these communities navigate platform changes. The first case examines Instagram activists responding to algorithmic shifts and policy changes, particularly the platform’s decision to limit political content. The second focuses on small business owners in India using WhatsApp to cope with new monetization features and automation. The third case looks at music artists on TikTok, exploring how they engage with the platform’s emphasis on generative AI and and policies about its incoming ban. Through thematic analysis, I identify patterns in how these communities interpret and respond to platform shifts, developing a taxonomy to categorize material, algorithmic, and ideological changes. This research examines the cultural, contextual, and technological factors influencing adaptation strategies, while also exploring the concept of decenteredness—how and when users perceive themselves as marginalized by the designs or ideologies of these platforms. The study contributes to the understanding of how decentered groups navigate digital change, offering both theoretical insights into decenteredness and practical design recommendations. It also proposes low-fidelity solutions to improve the design of platforms to better support these communities in a sustainable manner. Ultimately, the research aims to deepen our understanding of the intersection between technology, power, and adaptation in a rapidly changing digital landscape.

Importance

This study is significant because it explores how marginalized groups, or "decentered communities," who use platforms for social good and empowerment, adapt to changes in social media platforms. As platforms like Instagram, WhatsApp, and TikTok frequently update their features and policies, these groups—such as activists, small business owners, and artists—find ways to navigate these changes to meet their needs. By understanding how these communities adjust and what challenges they face, the research offers insights into how technology can better support all users, especially those often overlooked in the design process. The study contributes to creating more inclusive platforms by highlighting the importance of considering diverse user experiences and offering practical recommendations for improving platform design to better serve marginalized groups.

DEI Statement

My research focuses on how decentered communities or marginalized groups often overlooked in digital platform design—adapt to technological changes. By examining activists, small business owners, and artists, I explore how these communities navigate inequalities and challenges on platforms like Instagram, WhatsApp, and TikTok. This work highlights issues of digital access, power, and representation, emphasizing how platform shifts disproportionately affect underserved populations. By centering these experiences, my study contributes to a deeper understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion in technology design, advocating for more inclusive platforms and legitimizing local appropriations that better support marginalized groups. The research not only identifies barriers but also offers practical solutions to improve platform experiences for diverse user groups.