The answer to the title question is yes, as pointed out in the article. I think whether that's really a solution though is a bit more complicated. Is someone who believes in conspiracy theories really going to be dissuaded by an actual conspiracy by YouTube to suppress their favorite channels? If anything it seems like it might just reinforce the problem.
I like the idea of recommending content with alternate points of view or providing authoritative sources on some topics, but that's much more challenging to get right compared to recommending videos that are similar to the ones you just watched.
Is YouTube ushering in a cognitive apocalypse? Interesting article on promulgation of conspiracy theories and radicalization via algorithmic recommendations and efforts to stop it.
Haha I certainly don't think so! I did enjoy the article though. I'm very optimistic about YouTube despite the concerns that were outlined in the article. I watch a lot of YouTube and am constantly amazed by the incredible wealth of informative and educational content that is being produced by individual creators and small teams. One of my favorite channels is Essential Craftsman where an expert carpenter is currently in the process of building a spec house from scratch for the sole purpose of filming the YouTube series and explaining every step along the way.
I'm glad that researchers are documenting the disturbing side of YouTube and putting pressure on the company to reign in some of the more egregious content but I always feel compelled to jump to YouTube's defense when a critical article pops up! Democratization is messy but it's also beautiful.
The answer to the title question is yes, as pointed out in the article. I think whether that's really a solution though is a bit more complicated. Is someone who believes in conspiracy theories really going to be dissuaded by an actual conspiracy by YouTube to suppress their favorite channels? If anything it seems like it might just reinforce the problem.
I like the idea of recommending content with alternate points of view or providing authoritative sources on some topics, but that's much more challenging to get right compared to recommending videos that are similar to the ones you just watched.
Is YouTube ushering in a cognitive apocalypse? Interesting article on promulgation of conspiracy theories and radicalization via algorithmic recommendations and efforts to stop it.
Haha I certainly don't think so! I did enjoy the article though. I'm very optimistic about YouTube despite the concerns that were outlined in the article. I watch a lot of YouTube and am constantly amazed by the incredible wealth of informative and educational content that is being produced by individual creators and small teams. One of my favorite channels is Essential Craftsman where an expert carpenter is currently in the process of building a spec house from scratch for the sole purpose of filming the YouTube series and explaining every step along the way.
I'm glad that researchers are documenting the disturbing side of YouTube and putting pressure on the company to reign in some of the more egregious content but I always feel compelled to jump to YouTube's defense when a critical article pops up! Democratization is messy but it's also beautiful.