Algorithms, Fake News, and Social Media

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How social media algorithms shape the way we get information and news 

Conservative politicians and outlets have long argued that platforms are biased against their point of view, citing how algorithms are engineered. But professors (University of Virginia) found that the algorithms, e.g. on Facebook, are more likely to give users content matching their world view.

Most of the platforms researched actually have a beneficial effect of increasing information that is seen, but found that some platforms - specifically Facebook - shifts content more towards the views a user might already have, regardless of the fact that the information is more diverse. E.g. conservatives will view more conservative news etc.

What users view is based on:
  • content engagement
  • likes
  • shares & comments etc.
When you engage with content that's how it decides what you want to see in the future. But this engagement could be because you want to see that content or because you disagree with it, so users don't really have much of a choice in what they see.

Are theses algorithms constructive or not, because these platforms are just businesses trying to generate money through the content viewed 

Truth has been devalued today because it is now up to people who decide what is true and what isn't.

These platforms understand how to use the algorithms to get the content to the right people, so they make content that is contentious and highly engaging to make people react to this and it is why they are able to almost propagate so many people.

  • Identifying misinformation
  • Being more transparent (who's posting? where is it coming from?)

Streaming providers are now required to display NZ ratings

This change brings major streaming providers under the NZ classification laws that have up until now been applied to distributors of physical publications (old media) like films, DVDs and books. Now major streaming platforms are required to display NZ ratings and classifications. 

This applies to:
  • Amazon Prime
  • Apple TV
  • Disney+
  • Google Play
  • Microsoft films & TV
  • NEON
  • Netflix
  • Sony Entertainment
Why doesn't some content have a rating displayed? 

Providers are working to have their entire catalogues rated, either through self-rating or submitting films for classification. A balanced and staggered approach is needed so that providers can work through their back catalogues and ensure the correct ratings are in place.

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