this post was submitted on 07 Jul 2023
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If an algorithm knows exactly who you are, then it knows how you think, and it knows what sort of content will manipulate you politically. And right wing political content is profitable. It's called the alt right pipeline. Most people have some kind of argument that will manage to radicalise them to any position you can name. Through correlative learning, an algorithm will look at how people like you changed their views, and it'll send you down the same path. It's easy.
Cambridge Analytica. Not only did they influence the elections and general political attitude of the Philippines, it also affected US elections as well. I think there was a genocide that was caused by targeted campaigns too, not sure where it happened, though.
don't forget Facebook knowing that their programs increased teen suicide rated but still stayed course because changing that negative content would lower revenue
Don't you feel like awareness of it can be the number one thing to protect you from the manipulation that is rampant? I look at everything and say that is trying to change my mind. Unfortunately, with that comes this cynicism that I'm being sold to all the time and whatnot. But if I happen to hop on a browser that doesn't have AdBlock, I don't walk away having spent money on snake oil, or I don't go sign up for my local right wing political action committee, because I've been made aware consistently that everything is aimed at getting me to give something.
And let's be real, we all remember the constant reference to the Reddit hivemind. If we're saying they're wasn't some sort of external influence that landed everyone on the same wavelength, that feels naive. Or I'm a cynic and can't enjoy anything anymore.
No, awareness isn't the number 1 protection, it's the number 3 protection. The number 1 protection is actually having a nuanced understanding of the issues so that when propaganda tries to prey on your misconceptions, it can't find any. And the number 2 protection is avoiding propaganda, because anything starts to sound persuasive if it's repeated enough. Awareness is important, but it's just not as effective as those two other protections. It has too many weaknesses.
I think that's pretty well put and I'll agree with it.
In spite of everything telling me not to I still pop over to Reddit because I think there is still value there, even if I have to wade through the bullshit and the bots and whatever. A couple subs weren't infested with shit yet. But for sure it's a risk assessment, and I think I got it, but probably I'm not as smart as I think.