Are a few people ruining the internet for the rest of us?
www.theguardian.com
Why does the online world seem so toxic compared with normal life? Our research shows that a small number of divisive accounts could be responsible – and offers a way out

I can’t abide an unnecessary question hed.

When I scroll through social media, I often leave demoralized, with the sense that the entire world is on fire and people are inflamed with hatred towards one another. Yet, when I step outside into the streets of New York City to grab a coffee or meet a friend for lunch, it feels downright tranquil. The contrast between the online world and my daily reality has only gotten more jarring.

Since my own work is focused on topics such as intergroup conflict, misinformation, technology and climate change, I’m aware of the many challenges facing humanity. Yet, it seems striking that people online seem to be just as furious about the finale of The White Lotus or the latest scandal involving a YouTuber. Everything is either the best thing ever or the absolute worst, no matter how trivial. Is that really what most of us are feeling? No, as it turns out. Our latest research suggests that what we’re seeing online is a warped image created by a very small group of highly active users.

  • gassyjack@lemmy.ca
    6·
    1 day ago

    What I do like to see is a continued discussion on how to take back the internet in its current form. The cesspool of online bots and malicious corporate social spaces can be managed or avoided entirely with healthy practices, and yet you never see articles with step-by-step guidelines on how to do this. Instead, articles like this point out a few problems then give up.

    Stop using social media entirely or find safe alternatives. Do not engage in online arguments. Control your viewing of political content and tailor your access towards specific trusted sources. Avoid any apps that use scrolling content feeds. Stop using your phone in bed. Lessen your phone use and restrict it to primarily phone calls and texts only.

    Platforms could easily redesign their algorithms to stop promoting the most outrageous voices and prioritise more representative or nuanced content.

    Corporations are not going to take actions that would benefit your health if it harms their engagement metrics. Bavel missed the mark on how the public should be actively fighting against late-stage capitalism.