Algorithms shape how we view the world of politics.
Algorithms on social media are now powerful tools used to sway public opinion. On platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and X, we can see everything that happens in the world right when it happens. This is the first time in history that people have had access to this much information all at one time. To make this information more digestible, many people turn to a particular news source that they trust. The way we consume news has evolved over time: it started with newspapers, then moved to cable television, later to national networks like CNN and FOX, and now, for many, social media is the main place people get their news.
In an article from BBC, there is lots of very good information about how Algorithms shape our view of the world.
Social media algorithms are now tools used to shape what people see and how they view the world. An algorithm decides what posts appear in people’s feeds, and prioritises getting people to watch and engage with the content. This system is extremely effective at getting people to stay on the platform for a long period of time, but also has harmful side effects. With political content, often the posts that get people to engage are the ones that spread anger and negativity. As a result, people are often likely to see content that further solidifies political opinions they already have, which causes a greater political and social divide. People are repeatedly exposed to information they already agree with, which makes it more difficult to have a clear view of the world.
The problem arises when people with more radical views of the world have their views solidified. The systems were created with the goal of keeping attention, so oftentimes people are presented with harmful or incorrect information for the sake of keeping them on the platform. This can create negativity, depression, and even violent tendencies in some people. While this is the case, much of these algorithms are kept private by massive companies like Meta and others. The article argues that the combination of lack of regulation and profit motivations has serious consequences on our society. Many people are calling for reform due to the serious problems it creates in our political system.
This is important to talk about because it mentions how groups on the political fringe, either left or right, can distort how people feel about politics through social media. Social media algorithms present an incorrect representation of the majority, causing a greater political divide. For example, if a left-leaning person’s only view of conservatism is through social media, seeing someone scream Nazi remarks with a Trump flag in their hand, then they will form a distorted view of the majority of conservative people. This divides the political parties even further apart, breeds conspiracy theories, and can radicalize people to the point of committing violence.