The article discusses the current state of social media and its potential evolution towards a healthier and more empowering direction.Examining social media through game theory, complex systems, leadership psychology, and history may offer insights into its future trajectory.The dominant strategy in social media seems to prioritize short-term gains through user exploitation and emotionally charged content.Platforms that exploit users for profit may create a toxic environment that threatens their own survival and wider societal stability.Social media dynamics are intertwined with political and economic instability, impacting trust and societal cohesion.Complex systems theory suggests that social media dysfunctions like echo chambers and radicalization emerge from internal logic.There are concerns about a potential phase transition in the digital ecosystem due to destabilizing feedback loops.Tech leaders may be hindered in addressing these issues by the psychological effects of power, reducing their ability to self-correct.The article highlights the impact of social media on real-world instability, political extremism, and market destabilization.Despite the challenges, there are signs of alternative trajectories emerging, driven by public awareness and regulatory frameworks.A shift towards more ethical social media could involve platforms prioritizing trust, diverse perspectives, and constructive dialogue.