Don’t Blame the Algorithm: Polarization May Be Inherent in Social Media

Don’t blame the algorithm: Polarization may be inherent in social media

In simulations, AI-generated users of stripped-down social media without content algorithms still split into polarized echo chambers

The Political and Psychological Costs of Social Media Algorithms: Evidence-Based Strategies to Mitigate Algorithm-Driven Addiction, Echo Chambers, Polarization, and Misinformation - Gilmore Health News

Key Takeaways: Algorithms fuel compulsive use by exploiting psychological triggers, keeping users hooked for longer. Engagement is profit-driven, with design features like infinite scroll built to maximize ad revenue. Echo chambers deepen polarization by repeatedly showing content that reinforces existing beliefs. Excessive use impacts mental health, especially in youth, linking to anxiety, depression, and poor self-esteem. Misinformation spread…