Algorithms based on our search behavior are designed to keep us engaged on every platform we use. The concept is simple; Show us what we like and we will continue scrolling. In theory it’s a good idea, because it allows us to consume content we enjoy without having to search very hard. The problem however is that we tend to avoid branching out and see the world only from one point of view. We are no longer challenged on our beliefs because the content we see agrees with our opinions. This can lead to the delusion that we are always right, and unfortunately even you might be guilty of this. Unless you are actively seeking out opposing opinions and doing independent research on topics, your convictions are likely only to be strengthened by what you see online.
Encyclopedia Brittanica defines Confirmation Bias as, “people’s tendency to process information by looking for, or interpreting, information that is consistent with their existing beliefs. This biased approach to decision making is largely unintentional, and it results in a person ignoring information that is inconsistent with their beliefs.” (https://www.britannica.com/science/confirmation-bias)
Confirmation Bias has been used throughout history to justify opinions. Even academic research can be flawed when a researcher looks only for evidence to prove a hypothesis rather than interpret all of the data for what it truly is. People have a tendency to only see what they want to see. The algorithms used to create the “for you” pages on your social media are literally confirmation bias machines. It is a computer analyzing all of your behavior and patterns and formulating content that directly speaks to you. It is more efficient at processing and organizing data that matches your viewpoint than you could ever imagine. It only shows you what you want to see and dismisses the content that does not align directly with your point of view. Due to the selling and sharing of data, companies can use this to target you with specific ads. Even a google search history can generate a for you page that shows articles on websites similar to what you’ve looked at previously. Every where you go and everything you see is tailored directly to you.
There have always been methods of reaching people and unifying one group against another. However, in the 21st century it is easier to connect with and influence people than ever before. We are living in an age of information and the person that controls that information, controls the people who consume it. We have more access to knowledge on our cell phones today than anyone in the history of the world. Unfortunately, we rely on these algorithms to do the work of finding it for us. It is incredibly simple to do a quick search to verify if something is factual. However, the coding in our devices brings things to us without ever having to do any work. It is simpler not to search for something so we just accept whatever is placed in front of us.
The darkest side of this is the spread of hate speech. This is often related to disinformation campaigns which would require an article in itself. As can be seen from the most recent election, Americans hate each other. They also hate people who are not Americans. We are a country so divided that there is almost an exact 50-50 split of which side of the political spectrum you are on. This is exactly what people in power want, because it ensures that no majority can overthrow a minority. When you hate your neighbor it distracts from hating your government. This has brought about a circulation of rhetoric against multiple groups and both sides are guilty of it. The left creates a viewpoint of those on the right as ignorant, backward, and racist. The right views the left as elitist, corrupt, and immoral. Blanket terms are used to cover each half of the American population as if we were all the same. We paint a picture of those who disagree with us as our enemies. This is especially true if you are foreign. Anti-immigrant language has been given a megaphone to spread hatred of those of a different nationality and skin color. This has been amplified and used as a main topic in the most recent election. A push to remove all illegal immigrants is coming under the guise of “safeguarding America from criminals.” We have accepted the idea of using concentration camps in The United States of America to house these undesirables that have been rounded up so that they may be deported out of the country. Fear and distrust of others is reaching a breaking point. Soon these are no longer going to be words, but actions. If we only surround ourselves with people that condone our behaviors then how will we ever hear the voices of those begging us to reconsider?
Open your mind, your ears, and your heart to others. Do the work to verify what you believe is accurate. Stop basing your opinions on cherry-picked data that supports a specific agenda. You cannot rely on your social media feed to ever challenge you, because it is literally designed not to. Have a conversation with someone about their opinions and try to understand why they think that. It is time to bring civil conversation and debate back to politics. Stop being angry with your neighbor who voted for Trump and go ask him why. You probably will not be able to persuade anyone to change their minds, but they might at least realize that not every person on the left discounts them as human beings. The lack of dialogue and connection with others only deepens the divide between us. The country has been divided into us versus them, and if we continue down this path it will only lead to further human misery.