Pretty privilege and the algorithm: Is social media reinforcing a new class divide?

Social media might not be intentionally creating class divides, but could it be amplifying them? Here's a look at how the algorithm might be setting the bar and who seems to get left behind along the way.

We all love watching those “A Day In My Life” videos on social media, especially the ones that are beautifully put together with soft music, pastel tones, and cozy aesthetics. There’s something oddly satisfying about watching someone’s perfectly organized morning routine or their aesthetically pleasing coffee-making ritual. It's no surprise that these videos often go viral because they present this idealized version of life that feels comforting and even aspirational. But this also has me wondering if this format unintentionally shapes our idea of happiness. Have we come to believe that only the glossy, well-curated parts of our lives are worth sharing or even appreciating? 

This thought often hits me whenever I come across a video that looks a bit rough or low in quality and almost instantly gets made fun of. Social media has made it way too easy for people to leave negative comments, and we’ve all seen videos where the hate and judgment feel completely unnecessary. It’s hard not to notice how only the well-produced, polished videos seem to get more attention, while anything less barely gets seen, unless there’s some hook attached to it.

Suggesting that social media functions as a tool of class divide is undoubtedly a bold statement, but it's certainly not an overreaction to consider it seriously. Though it’s not a plain black-and-white, social media does indeed amplify and, in some ways, exacerbate class distinctions. It’s a nuanced mechanism that reflects, reinforces, and sometimes even widens existing societal divides, often unintentionally but with real consequences.

For instance, social media operates as a platform for visibility. It’s built on the idea that anyone can share their life, but the reality is that not everyone’s story gets heard equally. The algorithm, for one, tends to favor content that’s polished, engaging, or fits a certain mould. Producing that kind of content often requires resources like good cameras, fast internet, editing software, and time to curate it all. People from higher socioeconomic backgrounds who have access to these tools produce aesthetically pleasing “day in my life” vlogs or perfectly staged photos, which naturally get more likes, shares, and followers. Meanwhile, someone from a less privileged background, who may have been filming with a cheaper phone camera in a rural setting, doesn’t have the same means to compete. Their content, although authentic, is less likely to break through the noise unless it's got a viral hook to grab people's attention. 

Also Read: The reinvention of everyday vlogging: Creators talk about how they turn daily life into a dialogue!

We often find ourselves amazed by Nancy Tyagi and her stunning outfits, that's presented in beautifully put-together videos that make her work look nothing short of magical. But her profile before the visual aesthetics took over is a prime example of how people treat the same content differently. As someone who worked in a small room with a basic sewing machine, her talent was always there, just as impressive as it is now. So, why was she mocked back then? The comment sections brimmed with jests, as though her efforts were an invitation for mockery as opposed to today. This just proves how the playing field isn’t level and social media rewards those who can afford to play by its unwritten aesthetic rules.

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A post shared by Nancy Tyagi (@nancytyagi___)

We, as viewers, aren’t immune to bias because we’re drawn to what’s shiny and aspirational, especially if it often aligns with lifestyles tied to wealth or privilege. Think about influencers showing off luxury vacations, designer outfits, or sleek apartments. Those posts don’t just get attention because they’re pretty, they tap into a cultural fascination with upward mobility. Compare that to a video of someone grinding through a tough day in a less glamorous setting, which may not get the same love because it doesn’t feed that same fantasy. Over time, this creates a feedback loop where the privileged get amplified, their version of life becomes the “standard,” and the less privileged either fade into the background or only get noticed for a laugh. It’s not that social media creates class divides from scratch; it mirrors and magnifies the ones that already exist, making them more visible and harder to ignore.

But it’s not just about who gets seen, it’s also about how social media shapes our perceptions of worth. When the most celebrated content is tied to a certain look or lifestyle, it can subtly shift what we value, like suggesting that happiness or success should come with a nice filter and a trendy backdrop. That can leave people from lower-income backgrounds feeling like their lives don’t measure up, or worse, that they’re not worth discussing unless they can dress it up somehow. Social media didn’t invent that judgment, but it became its megaphone. That’s how the class divide gets reinforced when one group’s reality gets validated, while another’s gets sidelined or mocked.

There could be an argument here that low-budget videos on social media aren’t worth watching because they look rough, without any deep thought behind them. But that sounds like a quick judgment considering how a well-made video can also fall flat or come off as forced, while something shot on a phone with no frills can surprise you creatively. Dismissing these simpler videos as “cringeworthy” is anything but an oversimplification. Which is why it’s encouraging to see parts of the internet push back against this harsh attitude and enjoy good content, no matter where it comes from. Like how people have embraced Shantaram Shamsundar, an elderly creator who shares simple magic trick videos that reminds most of us of the magic shows we watched as kids. Fortunately, he's not alone. Many such creators are using social media to reconnect with their passions, follow trends, and share what they love, and their videos often receive warm and supportive responses. While there is a significant part of social media that actively rejects this subtle class divide and understands that belittling or cruel remarks can be deeply upsetting and unfair, it is still evident that a large portion of users continues to engage in such behavior, often without even realizing it, as if mocking or judging has become a casual reflex rather than an intentional act.

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A post shared by Shantaram Shamsundar (@jadugar_shamsundar)

That said, I don’t think it’s fair to call social media a “tool” of class divide, like it’s some deliberate conspiracy. It’s more of an accidental amplifier whose design and our behavior together end up favoring the haves over the have-nots. There are exceptions too, when, every now and then, an unpolished, grassroots story breaks through and gets massive love, proving the platform can really help marginalized voices. But those are outliers, not the norm. Social media often leans toward rewarding privilege, and that’s hard to deny when you look at who dominates the influencer space or whose posts consistently trend.

Social media is not a neutral space, it acts as a lens that distorts and prioritizes certain viewpoints, with class significantly influencing what gets magnified. Therefore, you are not overreacting if you share this concern. It is important to question this issue, especially as we risk losing what makes social media a safe environment for self-expression.

What are your thoughts on this? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.