Slide Deck 5 Information and Democracy Online Platforms

Slide Deck 5: Information and Democracy

Online Platforms • Most information comes to us through online platforms • Search engines (e. g. , Google and Yahoo) • Social media sites (e. g. , You. Tube and Snapchat) • Because they filter most of the information we see, platforms have come to have a lot of power

Algorithms • Algorithms are small programs that tell computers how to perform tasks, such as sorting information. • Social media platforms use 'personalization' algorithms to determine what to show each user, based on the interests and preferences of the user.

Algorithms • Personalization is most noticeable on recommendation engines • Think of a time where content was recommended to you online. Do you think it was related to your interests or something you did online?

What are the pros and cons of algorithms?

Filter Bubbles • When users are shown information consistent with what they already like or agree with, it can create filter bubbles • Filter bubbles can prevent new or challenging information from reaching people

Filter Bubbles • When people are in filter bubbles, it can make it more difficult to connect with others who like different things, or have different political views • It can also make people more likely to believe information that confirms their existing beliefs

Consolidation • Why is it important to think critically about the internet and social media? • What are the opportunities and challenges of the internet and social media for democracy? • How can we break out of our filter bubbles? • What are some online ideas? • What are some offline ideas?