Can We Stop Social Media Algorithms From Fueling Division?
Engagement-based algorithms are framing the discourse, making anger spikes more prominent and leading to increasing divides in Western society. These algorithms are designed to heighten our emotional responses, optimizing for time spent on apps, with anger, fear, and joy being the primary emotions used to keep users engaged, according to Social Media Today. But is there a way to break free from this cycle and look for a more constructive path?
The Amplification of Anger
It’s no secret that posts sparking anger tend to spread like wildfire across social platforms. Anger, being more contagious than joy, connects users from different circles faster, amplifying societal divides further. Notably, the algorithms don’t discern content — they merely magnify what’s garnering the most interaction, be it positive or negative emotive responses.
Social Control in Algorithmic Systems
There’s a stark contrast between algorithmic handling in different societies. Take China, for example, where the government’s control over algorithms ensures that positive and knowledge-sharing content thrives. Compare this with Western social media, teeming with prank videos and polarizing political content. Some theories even purport that this disparity is part of a larger agenda, a claim that’s speculative but not without basis in observable differences.
Human Input With a Purpose
Efforts are underway to integrate human insight into algorithmic processes with methods like Community Notes, where real people provide context to divisive content. Yet, this alone might not be enough to counteract entrenched algorithmic dynamics. The question remains: should Western governments follow the Chinese model, or can there be a balance that preserves freedom while promoting positivity?
An Uneasy Future
Current algorithms seem locked into perpetuating a loop of division and emotional manipulation. Suggestions for creating a more balanced digital ecosystem abound, including eliminating algorithms or designing them to foster cohesion and understanding. However, these ideas face pushback and practical challenges. As it stands, the allure of emotional engagement promises to keep these systems unchanged, perpetuating a cycle that thrives on division.
Seeking Balance in Digital Spaces
Without intervention, these divisive trends and their emotional undercurrents are likely to continue influencing social discourse. As people become more reliant on social media for information, the issue isn’t just technological but deeply human. The quest for a digital environment that reflects our better selves remains elusive but necessary for the collective emotional health of our society.
