Studies have shown that false information is 70% more likely to be retweeted than the truth
The emergence of Artificial intelligence (AI), Machine learning(ML) and Data Analytics has significantly enhanced algorithmic sophistication, enabling platforms to hook users based on their preferences.
Social media has emerged as a key role in modern communication, fundamentally altering how we interact with one another and the outside world, as well as how we take in information. With over 5.07 billion users worldwide (62.6 percent of the world's population) as of April 2024 and millions of posts daily, social media platforms have developed into contemporary town squares where ideas are exchanged, groups are established, and conversations flourish, thanks to their undeniable force and reach. Social media's emergence has had repercussions, though, so to speak. In this article, let’s explore the complex connections between social media, algorithms, and the disturbing rise in hate speech online.
The Democratization of Information:
Social media's capacity to democratize information is among its most important contributions. News is no longer only distributed through the means of traditional media. Recent studies revealed that over 80 percent of respondents in India aged 16 to 70 years old used social networks as their main source of news, along with close to 60 percent of those in Argentina and Australia and over 71 percent of Brazilian. Nowadays, anyone with a smartphone and an internet connection can affect the conversation. People can now utilize social media platforms to spread their opinions and take part in discussions that were previously exclusive to the media elite. The range of viewpoints has increased thanks to this improved accessibility, which has also promoted active participation from citizens.
Everyone Acts as Media:
Social Media Addiction
We have seen a fundamental shift in how people interact with news and information with the emergence of social media. Every user transforms into a content producer by sharing their ideas, stories, and viewpoints with a large audience. Due to the blurring of lines between established media and individuals, citizen journalism has emerged. A recent UNESCO/IPSOS survey revealed that 56 percent of internet users in the 16 countries surveyed frequently use social media as their primary source of news. Greater inclusivity is a result of this transition, but it also prompts questions about the accuracy of the data. Studies have shown that false information is 70% more likely to be retweeted than the truth; highlighting the increasing importance of fact-checking and ethical reporting as everyone becomes their own media outlet.
The Algorithmic Rabbit Hole:
Behind the scenes, social media platforms employ complex algorithms that shape the content we see on our feeds.
The algorithm, simply, means rules, signals, and data that govern the platform's operation on the backend to surf us on the web forefront. The core of social media companies' business models lies in their ability to keep users engaged. These algorithms are designed to keep users engaged and active on the platforms, often leading to a phenomenon known as confirmation bias. The emergence of Artificial intelligence (AI), Machine learning(ML) and Data Analytics has significantly enhanced algorithmic sophistication, enabling platforms to hook users based on their preferences. Platforms compete fiercely to refine and optimize their algorithms, aiming to enhance user retention and attract new users. This personalized approach not only enhances user experience but also proves instrumental in ensuring business viability. By analyzing our preferences, interactions, and online behaviour, algorithms curate personalized content that aligns with our existing beliefs and interests.
While this may seem harmless, research indicates that 64% of people who joined extremist groups on Facebook did so because the platform’s algorithms recommended it, creating an echo chamber effect, reinforcing our preconceived notions and limiting exposure to diverse perspectives.
Promoting Confirmation Bias and Addiction:
Confirmation bias on social media unintentionally promotes the spread of false information and exacerbates the echo chamber effect. Users are inundated with information that supports their worldview, which could polarize society by reinforcing preexisting convictions. This confirmation bias not only deepens societal divisions but also makes social media platforms more addictive with over 210 million people estimated to suffer from social media addiction. As users spend more time on these platforms, algorithms gather more data, allowing them to further refine content recommendations and perpetuate the cycle of confirmation bias.
The Rise of Hate Speech:
Confirmation bias and the addictive qualities of social media have contributed to a worrying rise in hate speech in the online space. Surveys indicate that 67 percent of internet users have encountered hate speech online. Users take comfort in echo chambers that confirm their prejudices, which results in the emergence of online groups that support bigotry and hatred. Because there is no face-to-face interaction, people regularly express extremist beliefs on social media without considering the consequences. This rise in hate speech puts social harmony in jeopardy and calls into question the fundamental principles of free speech and polite discourse. Social media platforms have struggled to moderate content effectively, with only 3 percent of hate speech posts being detected and removed by AI. This blurry line between freedom of speech and regulating harmful content poses significant challenges for platforms, governments, and society as they navigate the balance between open discourse and preventing harm.
Decreased Attention Span and Misinformation:
The dominance of social media has also contributed to a decrease in attention spans, with studies showing that the average attention span has dropped from 12 seconds in 2000 to just 8 seconds today.
Users are constantly bombarded with bite-sized, easily consumable short-form content. Platforms like TikTok, and Instagram exemplify this trend, where short-form videos capture users' attention in mere seconds. Researchers from the Technical University of Denmark conducted a study, titled “Accelerating Dynamics of Collective Attention” showed a notable decrease in attention span over time, due to the “increasing production and consumption of content”. They discovered that a 2013 hashtag stayed on top for 17.5 hours on average, but in 2016, a top hashtag only retained its spot for an average of 11.9 hours.
While these formats offer entertainment and convenience, they also create fertile ground for misinformation to spread rapidly. Easy dissemination of false or partial information leaves little room for critical thought or fact-checking. This has caused widespread misinformation on a range of subjects, from politics to health, weakening public confidence in dependable information sources.
In conclusion, as social media dominance continues to influence our lives and change communication practices, it is critical to address the drawbacks that have surfaced alongside the positive effects of social media. Confirmation bias and the increase in hate speech, along with the algorithm-driven nature of social media platforms, have presented new difficulties for society. The democratization of information, freedom of speech, and responsible digital citizenship must all coexist in a balanced way. We may navigate the digital environment more carefully and lessen the negative consequences of social media hegemony by encouraging media literacy, critical thinking, and online communities based on empathy and respect.
