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Examining the Ethics of Social Media Algorithms

The landscape of social media has undergone significant transformations over the years. In the past, platforms like MySpace provided a space for musicians to connect with their followers by sharing music videos and vlogs. Additionally, during the early days of Facebook, Google introduced its own social network, Orkut.

However, the dynamics of social media have evolved considerably with the emergence of Facebook, which dominated the field for an extended period. Today, the internet boasts platforms like TikTok, which are rapidly growing and challenging established giants such as Facebook and YouTube.

A keyboard, with social media icons


Filter Bubbles and Personalization: Implications for User Behavior

Social media platforms thrive on user participation, with the primary goal being user-generated content and interaction. While this foundational structure fosters engagement among users, it also presents certain risks. Some individuals misuse the platform, engaging in behaviors that threaten the safety and well-being of others. These behaviors encompass activities such as spreading misinformation, character assassination, cyberbullying, and other inappropriate actions.

Certain users intentionally disseminate misinformation or subscribe to conspiracy theories, causing a blend of unverified information and occasional truths. Consequently, social media companies, driven by their commercial interests, often find themselves compelled to take action against such users. For instance, YouTube was obliged to downgrade videos promoting the flat Earth theory, as it was deemed to be spreading misinformation.

Misinformation, by its nature, possesses the potential to cause significant harm to individuals, projects, or even society as a whole. It can incite unrest and chaos, prompting officials to press for corrective action, as in the case of YouTube's response to flat Earth claims.

Facebook, during the COVID-19 pandemic, made adjustments to its algorithm multiple times. Initially, for posts related to vaccines or the pandemic, they included a link to the CDC website to educate users. Subsequently, they restricted access to COVID-19 and vaccine-related content, directing users only to reputable sources like the CDC. Additionally, WhatsApp introduced message limits to curb the widespread sharing of a single post.

However, this type of censorship, exemplified by Facebook, YouTube, and WhatsApp, raises concerns as it conflicts with the essence of social media's existence – the free sharing of information. The challenge lies in determining what is true or false, as truth itself is subjective and often characterized by opposing perspectives. Users should be allowed to discern the truth for themselves.


User Privacy and Data Collection: Ethical Considerations

As a result of these censoring practices, many individuals have grown distrustful of social media platforms. Some resort to creating fake accounts or using VPNs and other tools to conceal their identities from both governments and corporate entities. Concerns have arisen that social media companies not only collect fragments of users' data but also possess information that can be used to identify individuals with precision.


The Future of Social Media Algorithms: Potential Regulations and Solutions

In light of these issues, it is essential to consider the future of social media algorithms. Instead of targeting users, algorithms should focus on identifying and addressing abusive behavior. When algorithms interfere with the flow of information, they risk rendering the social network dysfunctional and failing to fulfill its intended purpose. Social media was conceived as a means of facilitating the free exchange of information, not as a platform for censorship.


Conclusion

While the user base of social media platforms continues to grow, awareness is also increasing regarding the potential threats posed by these platforms to users' privacy and identification. It is imperative that the role of social media algorithms shifts from targeting users to targeting abusive behavior. When algorithms restrict the flow of information, they undermine the fundamental purpose and meaningfulness of social media, which is rooted in the free exchange of ideas and information.


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