A Social Dilemma Behind Digital Algorithms
The case against security failures, racial bias and hate-propaganda on social media networks could be more persuasive and less-complicated for the general public if the journalists and the public bodies untangle the algorithms involved and understand the design behind the growth and functioning of those controversial, extremists and hate-propagating groups and spaces on digital social media networks. The question that whether social media algorithms play a role in it, Facebook’s own investigation indicates so, as two-thirds of the members of extremist groups on Facebook joined those groups, because they were referred to those groups by the strange algorithms and match makings of the digital networks.
A recent documentary on social media usage and design, called The Social Dilemma, drew quite attention for its scalding criticism of social media giants like Facebook, Twitter and other leading networks, where it unfolds an uncomfortable question arguing if we are the customers or products to the aforementioned tech giants. The documentary discussed the social dilemma where humanity itself is struggling to survive the current digital world and the chaos created by social media where social sites are involved in manipulating elections to publicizing rumors and misinformation, which could lead into very serious consequences.
Current geo-political chaos happening in many regions, communities and countries also paints a picture of what is this drug called social media and its influence around the world. It’s a powerful attempt to make people question their vulnerability to algorithmic pump of misinformation, and how social media literacy can help to mitigate the risks to remedy the problem.
Predictive algorithms are not essentially harmful in every situation as they offer us what they consider we would like to explore. They make careful calculations based on many factors whether we would like to watch more sports highlights, motivational content or cat videos, and they can be useful in some cases.
However, algorithms become more alarming and risky when all of our online actions and history on different pages and social circles, is being analyzed and consumed by algorithms to misuse our vulnerabilities, and to make choices for us before we can decide ourselves. Former Project Lead at Facebook and Google, Justin Rosenstein, fears that manipulative politicians and digital platforms are getting so expert at manipulating the algorithms to trigger the masses that they are now starting to exploit vulnerabilities in human psychology.
