Small changes to ‘for you’ feed on X can rapidly increase political polarisation
A recent study has unveiled startling insights into how social media, particularly the platform X (formerly known as Twitter), can rapidly influence political attitudes among users. The research indicates that just a week of exposure to tailored political content can shift users’ views in ways that historically would have required three years of gradual change. This finding underscores the significant role that social media plays in shaping political polarization, especially in a climate where divisive rhetoric is prevalent.
The study conducted a groundbreaking experiment that examined the effects of subtly altered posts on users’ political perceptions. By incrementally boosting content that expressed anti-democratic sentiments and partisan hostility, researchers observed a marked increase in negative feelings towards opposing political groups among both Democratic and Republican users. For instance, when users encountered posts that framed the opposing party in a negative light, even in a mild manner, their overall animosity towards that group intensified significantly. This rapid shift highlights how the algorithms and content moderation strategies employed by platforms like X can exacerbate divisions in society, leading to a more polarized political landscape in a fraction of the time it would traditionally take.
These findings are particularly relevant in today’s digital age, where social media is a primary source of news and political discourse for many individuals. The ability of a week’s worth of content to induce such profound changes in attitudes raises important questions about the responsibility of social media companies in curbing misinformation and fostering a more civil political dialogue. As users navigate a barrage of information on platforms like X, the implications of this research suggest that even small adjustments in the tone and nature of posts can have far-reaching effects on public opinion and societal cohesion. This study serves as a critical reminder of the power of social media in shaping not just individual beliefs, but also the broader political climate.
Study finds that a week of political content can bring about a shift in views that previously would have taken three years
Small changes to the tone of posts fed to users of X can increase feelings of political polarisation as much in a week as would have historically taken at least three years, research has found.
A groundbreaking experiment to gauge the potency of Elon Musk’s social platform to increase political division found that when posts expressing anti-democratic attitudes and partisan animosity were boosted, even barely perceptibly, in the feeds of Democrat and Republican supporters there was a large change in their unfavourable feelings towards the other side.
Continue reading…
