Our Expectations Are Skewed by Internet Algorithms
BY SYDNEY PASCAL '22
With more news, social interactions, and opinions dominating the internet, we must evaluate the validity of the information we see now more than ever. While the importance of recognizing fake news is undeniable, most internet users are blind to the iron grip of algorithms, which analyze users’ clicks and time consumption to dictate what they see. Internet algorithms skew our expectations of people and ideas by supplying users with content that they already agree with, creating echo chambers and rooting out different opinions necessary for combating bias.
Most internet users are satisfied with an algorithm that presents content they enjoy, but what are the implications of this algorithm, and is it helping or hurting us? Today’s social media algorithms refine what a user sees by analyzing their viewing history to garner further activity. Promoting similar content continuously attracts users and keeps their experience positive, which benefits companies that profit off the amount of time users spend on their platforms. In short, companies compete to see how far they can lure you in. Known as “filter bubbles,” these algorithms cater exclusively to your interests. Though these entrapping algorithms may benefit said companies, their influence on society can easily become damaging.
According to Eli Pariser, co-founder of Upworthy—a website dedicated to positive storytelling—a filter bubble is “your own personal, unique universe of information that you live in online.” By filtering out content that we would disagree with, the algorithm leads us to the expectation that our narrative is the sole, and thus correct, perspective. On TikTok’s “For You” page, for example, the platform immediately supplies users with videos similar to the ones they previously interacted with. Since the algorithm decreases the consideration people give to contradicting ideas, their lack of open mindedness becomes problematic when resolving disagreements. People often refuse to challenge their own perspective and admit that they may be wrong or misled by false information, and this self-righteousness can lead to more hostility, arguments, and division. Though it is often enjoyable to surround oneself with those who share the same interests, struggles, and political beliefs, when we refuse to interact with dissenting opinions, we become disconnected from other people.
Specifically, our relationship with politics is becoming more hostile and divisive. More people are relying on social media’s news outlets for their accessibility, but with the filter bubble, netizens only consume content produced by like-minded people, leaving little room for argument and analysis. Algorithms limit the development of ideas and awareness of opposing arguments, which may be just as valid. Our world is not black and white—or in our political environment, red and blue—and filter bubbles hinder our ability to see both sides of a story. Many view those with differing political opinions as uneducated or manipulated, but in most cases, they are simply not receiving the same set of facts. Indeed, news covering the Capitol riots was spread primarily on social media. Far-right activists were notified by conspiracy videos and promotions from other activists to protest by storming the Capitol building. On the other hand, those outside the far-right circle had no prior knowledge of the online extremism that was boiling over. Political polarization is at an all-time high because of the vastly different information users consume, and it is only worsening.
Recognizing filter bubbles’ existence is just the first step; overcoming them will require practice and perseverance. It seems impossible to get rid of social media, so we must closely examine what we are consuming and why it is being presented to us. We must question the potential bias in sources and explore news outlets across the political spectrum, as one-sided sources can easily skew our perception of truth. Finally, educating ourselves on differing opinions, especially ones we do not understand or agree with, will help to mitigate mass division in our society. By being open-minded to different political views, we will create a more empathetic society, and that might just be enough to save us.
Most internet users are satisfied with an algorithm that presents content they enjoy, but what are the implications of this algorithm, and is it helping or hurting us? Today’s social media algorithms refine what a user sees by analyzing their viewing history to garner further activity. Promoting similar content continuously attracts users and keeps their experience positive, which benefits companies that profit off the amount of time users spend on their platforms. In short, companies compete to see how far they can lure you in. Known as “filter bubbles,” these algorithms cater exclusively to your interests. Though these entrapping algorithms may benefit said companies, their influence on society can easily become damaging.
According to Eli Pariser, co-founder of Upworthy—a website dedicated to positive storytelling—a filter bubble is “your own personal, unique universe of information that you live in online.” By filtering out content that we would disagree with, the algorithm leads us to the expectation that our narrative is the sole, and thus correct, perspective. On TikTok’s “For You” page, for example, the platform immediately supplies users with videos similar to the ones they previously interacted with. Since the algorithm decreases the consideration people give to contradicting ideas, their lack of open mindedness becomes problematic when resolving disagreements. People often refuse to challenge their own perspective and admit that they may be wrong or misled by false information, and this self-righteousness can lead to more hostility, arguments, and division. Though it is often enjoyable to surround oneself with those who share the same interests, struggles, and political beliefs, when we refuse to interact with dissenting opinions, we become disconnected from other people.
Specifically, our relationship with politics is becoming more hostile and divisive. More people are relying on social media’s news outlets for their accessibility, but with the filter bubble, netizens only consume content produced by like-minded people, leaving little room for argument and analysis. Algorithms limit the development of ideas and awareness of opposing arguments, which may be just as valid. Our world is not black and white—or in our political environment, red and blue—and filter bubbles hinder our ability to see both sides of a story. Many view those with differing political opinions as uneducated or manipulated, but in most cases, they are simply not receiving the same set of facts. Indeed, news covering the Capitol riots was spread primarily on social media. Far-right activists were notified by conspiracy videos and promotions from other activists to protest by storming the Capitol building. On the other hand, those outside the far-right circle had no prior knowledge of the online extremism that was boiling over. Political polarization is at an all-time high because of the vastly different information users consume, and it is only worsening.
Recognizing filter bubbles’ existence is just the first step; overcoming them will require practice and perseverance. It seems impossible to get rid of social media, so we must closely examine what we are consuming and why it is being presented to us. We must question the potential bias in sources and explore news outlets across the political spectrum, as one-sided sources can easily skew our perception of truth. Finally, educating ourselves on differing opinions, especially ones we do not understand or agree with, will help to mitigate mass division in our society. By being open-minded to different political views, we will create a more empathetic society, and that might just be enough to save us.
