Algorithmic radicalization

Algorithmic radicalization is the concept that recommender algorithms on popular social media sites such as YouTube and Facebook drive users toward progressively more extreme content over time, leading to them developing radicalized extremist political views. Algorithms record user interactions, from likes/dislikes to amount of time spent on posts, to generate endless media aimed to keep users engaged. Through echo chamber channels, the consumer is driven to be more polarized through preferences in media and self-confirmation.[1][2][3][4]

Algorithmic radicalization remains a controversial phenomenon as it is often not in the best interest of social media companies to remove echo chamber channels.[5][6] To what extent recommender algorithms are actually responsible for radicalization remains controversial; studies have found contradictory results as to whether algorithms have promoted extremist content.

  1. ^ "What is a Social Media Echo Chamber? | Stan Richards School of Advertising". advertising.utexas.edu. November 18, 2020. Retrieved November 2, 2022.
  2. ^ "The Websites Sustaining Britain's Far-Right Influencers". bellingcat. February 24, 2021. Retrieved March 10, 2021.
  3. ^ Camargo, Chico Q. (January 21, 2020). "YouTube's algorithms might radicalise people – but the real problem is we've no idea how they work". The Conversation. Retrieved March 10, 2021.
  4. ^ E&T editorial staff (May 27, 2020). "Facebook did not act on own evidence of algorithm-driven extremism". eandt.theiet.org. Retrieved March 10, 2021.
  5. ^ "How Can Social Media Firms Tackle Hate Speech?". Knowledge at Wharton. Retrieved November 22, 2022.
  6. ^ "Internet Association - We Are The Voice Of The Internet Economy. | Internet Association". December 17, 2021. Archived from the original on December 17, 2021. Retrieved November 22, 2022.