> It seems like if social networks decide to adapt open protocols, it would pretty much kill it.
...which is exactly why they never will. This is how you know they are behaving monopolistically.
An analogous problem exists with media companies. Why do we all now have subscriptions to Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, etc. instead of just one? They don't seem to have a monopoly since there are so many. But we don't seem to have much choice either, since we end up having most of them.
The problem is that each has a complete monopoly on certain shows. If you want to watch "Stranger Things", the only way to get it is Netflix.
This is a weird analogy, specifically because copyright is designed and intended as a sanctioned, albeit time limited monopoly. Of course you can only get Stranger Things from Netflix. The only difference from cable is the studio has a distribution channel to your home. But it’s not like this didn’t exist before in eg Columbia House.
...which is exactly why they never will. This is how you know they are behaving monopolistically.
An analogous problem exists with media companies. Why do we all now have subscriptions to Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, etc. instead of just one? They don't seem to have a monopoly since there are so many. But we don't seem to have much choice either, since we end up having most of them.
The problem is that each has a complete monopoly on certain shows. If you want to watch "Stranger Things", the only way to get it is Netflix.