The Evolution of Social Media Algorithms: A Teenager in Need of Guidance
Social media algorithms, in their commonly known form, are now 15 years old. Born with Facebook’s introduction of ranked, personalised news feeds in 2009, these algorithms have transformed how we interact online. However, like many teenagers, they pose a challenge to grown-ups who hope to curb their excesses.
Governments around the world have attempted to limit the impacts of harmful content and disinformation on social media, effects that are amplified by algorithms. From Brazil to the EU to the UK and the US, regulations and laws are being proposed to address the issues caused by these algorithms.
Adam Candeub, a law professor and former advisor to President Trump, believes in free speech absolutism but also acknowledges the polarizing and fractious nature of social media. He argues for a marketplace of ideas and openness towards different points of view, rather than using social media as an instrument of social and political control.
The concept of a “marketplace of ideas” is being challenged by the role of algorithms on social media platforms. These algorithms determine what content users see based on their behavior, amplifying or suppressing the reach of messages. This interference in the free exchange of ideas is often overlooked, leading to a distorted and sensationalized mirror of public sentiment.
While some argue that algorithms provide greater diversity and discovery, others believe they restrict freedom of speech by determining what content users see. The debate over free speech on social media is ongoing, with calls for more transparency and user control over algorithms.
As social media algorithms move towards maturity, their future may lie in the hands of the people. Users are becoming more comfortable in closed-off group chats with trusted friends and relatives, seeking spaces with more accountability and fewer rewards for shocks and provocations. The competing visions on what to do with social media algorithms highlight the need for continued discussion and exploration of solutions in the digital age.
