Is social media simply a part of the “surveillance state” we live in?

1. Is social media simply a part of the “surveillance state” we live in? Are larger entities using our social media to keep tabs on us and if so, to what degree? If indeed we are being monitored, why might that be a big deal? Is there any harm in, for example, the government keeping an eye on our posts in order to keep the “population at large safe?” To succeed, show your reader that social media surveillance exists and to what degree before delving into the issue and your opinion on the matter.