The Blueprint of Reality: A Look Inside Carefully Curated Content

Intro

Social Media platforms in today’s digital age have become an integral part of our lives. We use social media for communication, keeping up with current events in the world, or even just idly scrolling in our spare time. What most people don’t consider though is how these social networks use algorithms to create a tailored user experience. These extremely complex algorithms are most often hidden from the user and until recently most people haven’t started to understand that their social media is not a straightforward timeline but rather a curated selection of posts the platform hopes the user will engage in.

The Echo Chamber Effect/Filter Bubbles

The most limiting factor of social media algorithms is the creation of echo chambers.

Due to echo chambers, we are less likely to encounter alternative viewpoints that reinforce our existing beliefs which can lead to a lack of apathy for any form of diverse perspectives. For example, if you express an interest in a particular political ideology, the algorithm will begin to show you more content that aligns with that ideology. In the article, Understanding Echo Chambers and Filter Bubbles: The Impact of Socia Media of Diversification and Partisian Shifts in News Consumption written by Brent Kitchens, Steven L. Johnson, and Peter Gray at the University of Virginia McIntire School of Commerce it is stated that ” Specifically, the concern is that social media algorithms combine with tendencies to interact with like-minded others to create an environment that predominantly exposes users to congenial, opinion-reinforcing content to the exclusion of more diverse, opinion-challenging content.

The idea of the Echo chamber also goes hand in hand with the conceptualization of the filter bubble. A filter bubble is an online environment that is personalized for someone based on their own interests where their biases are catered to. An example of a filter bubble at play was if someone who followed a fitness account would then find their feed filled with health and wellness-related content. Hand in hand the echo chamber effect and the use of filter bubbles contribute to the creation of a screwed flow of information that leads to a lack of awareness from a more diverse viewpoint. While it can be beneficial in some instances more often than not it isolates people from broader issues in society.

Amplifying Sensationalism and Misinformation

An unintended consequence of social media algorithms is their ability to amplify misinformation. Content that elicits strong emotional reactions tends to perform better on social media platforms. This is because social is built on an attention economy which means that social media platform depends on keeping their users engaged with their platform for as much time as possible. This is where the addictiveness of social media comes into play and this algorithm prioritizes content that is polarizing or sensational. Misleading headlines, fake news, and conspiracy theories have the ability to gain more traction than well-researched information which can lead to a distorted view of reality.

The Illusion of Control

Another concern with social media algorithms is that they create an illusion of control among the user offering a wide range of customization features. However in an article titled The Illusion of Control: Placebo Effects of Control Settings published by the Association for Computing Machinery it is stated that “ Control settings are one way for users to adjust the prioritization of their news feeds, but they prioritize feed content in a way that can be difficult to judge objectively.” A big feature of social media is that platforms often allow users to customize their feeds and privacy settings to some extent, but regardless of this, the algorithmic mechanisms that are responsible for content distribution are beyond the user's control. In response to negative perceptions from society, tech companies have taken steps to address these concerns. One of the big ways companies have been helping ty to create a more diverse experience is by keeping track of the moderation of content a user is consuming. Social media platforms have also been increasingly more transparent about how they function as well as opting to try and give the user more control in recent updates.

The Connection

Despite the societal implication of limited media and siphoning the flow of information, there are actually benefits to things such as filter bubbles based on algorithms. The most prevalent benefit is that it directly connects the user with like-minded individuals. Since the internet has become an increased part of modern society being able to connect to other people regardless of proximity is something that has greatly contributed to a lot of positive changes in different communities. Another benefit of having content tailored to the user is that the user is also more likely to be able to find information more prevalent in their daily lives. Realistically not everybody has the same interests and curating content for an individual does make the platform a lot more user friendly.

Navigating the Algorithmic Landscape

However, Despite the benefits of algorithms we as a user still bear a sense of responsibility for being aware of how social media algorithms affect our reality and to take steps to navigate this landscape more consciously. These are some easy ways that you the user can

Diversify their feed creating a more broadened view.

• Follow New Accounts: Make an effort to follow accounts and sources with diverse perspectives. This doesn’t mean following everyone you come across just to be conscious of the well of information you pull your water from.

• Fact-Check Information: Before sharing or believing information, especially if it seems sensational or controversial, take the time to fact-check and verify its accuracy. Sensationalism is a huge contributing factor to how social media spreads information.

• Limit Screen Time: Be mindful of your online consumption and consider setting daily time limits to prevent excessive scrolling. In reality, most people (myself included) need to be more cognizant of screen time.

• Stay Informed: Stay informed about the policies and changes that social media platforms are making regarding their algorithms and data usage.

• Question Your Engagement: Reflect on why you engage with certain content. Is it because you genuinely find it valuable, or is it a result of the algorithm's nudging?

Conclusion

Social media algorithms play a significant role in shaping our online reality. They have a hand in what influences what we see and how we engage with the digital world on a daily basis. While these algorithms are not inherently malicious, their unintended consequences, such as filter bubbles, echo chambers, and the illusion of control, can create a leak of diversity leading to a simplified stream of information. In the digital age, it is crucial to be aware of how social media algorithms impact our lives and to actively seek a more balanced perspective on the world. It is essential that social media platform as well as users are conscious of the digital landscape that enriches our lives by fostering healthy discussions that empowers us to make informed decisions.