Title: How Social Media Leads to Polarization: An Analysis Based on “The Social Dilemma” – GW Chronicle of the Yawp
Headings: How Social Media Leads to Polarization: An Analysis Based on “The Social Dilemma”
How Social Media Leads to Polarization: An Analysis Based on “The Social Dilemma”
Content: These social media algorithms then show us what we want to see, displaying more media and advertisements that share a link with our search or like history. One could essentially say that we live in “ filter bubbles .” We are stuck in an inconspicuous delusion, exposed to ideas that have been “filtered” based on the data we have indicated to these platforms we find interesting. A multitude of users is continuously displayed with an increase in information that appeals to their interests. It should be important to note that not all that everyone sees on social media or search engines are without flaws and instead could be subject to biases or propaganda. Misinformation can be spread easily from user to user, yet viewers may believe them to be true as they can see others who support these false beliefs. They do not see sources of information that contradict their preexisting ideas, remaining in an illusioned fantasy that only strengthens their convictions. Viewers see countless forms of media that carry the same logic as theirs, allowing them to put more faith and confidence in their ways of thought. In its essence, social media feeds its users the information they want to see, subtracting the supposed threat of opposing or disbelieving members from the equation. Conspiracy theories gain believers, political rivals gain supporters, and viewers become polarized.