Social media platforms have become very good at sorting through content and creating customized content feeds for each user. These algorithms are a core function to platform companies’ business models; they are designed to keep users on the platform. However, the negative impacts that such algorithms have on our democracies are coming to the fore. In their attempt to curate ever-relevant content for users, push people into more radicalized viewpoints and omit content that could provide alternate, or more balanced views.
In this video, CIGI Senior Fellow Taylor Owen discusses ways that governments can better regulate platform companies. He argues that there is no single solution that will solve this problem, rather, a combination of policies related to social media content, data and competition must be implemented in concert.
Social media platforms have been tremendously empowering and have led to real social progress. But to ensure that platforms remain a social good, policy makers should consider these recommendations as a way to reduce the threats to public safety and democratic integrity.
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