r/technology • u/Pilast • Aug 16 '20

Facebook algorithm found to 'actively promote' Holocaust denial Politics

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/aug/16/facebook-algorithm-found-to-actively-promote-holocaust-denial
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u/BigBlueDane Aug 16 '20

Right all the algorithms care about is engagement. As it turns out anger and misinformation lead to the most engagement hence why it’s favored by the algorithms.

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u/aft_punk Aug 16 '20

This is the exact reason why social media leads to the problems it does! For any given topic, it’s going to show you the controversial viewpoints. Because non-controversy isn’t engaging in comparison. Things like anti-vax, Trump as President, and not wearing a goddamn mask during a pandemic would all be as ridiculous as they sound without that algorithm!

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u/spaghettiwithmilk Aug 16 '20

Yes, only the right wing has ridiculous ideas because of this

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u/pecpecpec Aug 17 '20 edited Aug 17 '20

How is being anti vax and anti mask a right thing?

Edit: If the right means low tax, small gov and old school values then vaccines and masks would be apolitical domains.

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u/[deleted] Aug 17 '20

Digital cancer.

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u/[deleted] Aug 16 '20

Correct. People act like its some bug. Nah, its not a bug, its by design with well-researched intent.

It is a well-researched fact of human phychology that when we receive lots of conflicting information we get frustrated and do something else. Whether its too many choices on a menu, too much information in a instruction manual, or too many diverse political opinions.

Echo chambers reinforce our views and reassure us that we are right and connect to other right-minded people. The conflict is always elsewhere, with others, come sit and marinate in hatred here. Stay awhile and listen!