We’ve out-algorithmed ourselves.
Bridging-Based Ranking
There is significant concern about the engagement-based ranking systems used by TikTok, Facebook, YouTube, etc. to recommend content. Bridging-based ranking systems can address one of the most dangerous aspects of such algorithmic recommendations—the push toward polarization and divisiveness that is tearing nations apart—and do so without reducing anonymity or increasing censorship. This report explores what bridging-based ranking is, how it helps (overcoming downsides of chronological feeds and middleware), addresses common objections, and provides early examples of its use and benefits in the wild. The report concludes by providing next steps for platforms, governments, funders, and researchers in order to accelerate the deployment of bridging.
Why the Algorithm Loves a Villain, And How to Beat It
When the internet is full of distortions, fake news, and AI-generated slop, how can facts and journalism rise to the top? Former BBC and Vice journalist Sophia Smith Galer has one possible way to…
Quit social media that won't tell you their algorithm
Opaque feeds shape what you believe and you can never check whether they are working for you. We should insist on auditable algorithms, and support the platforms willing to build them.
The Algorithm, Singular
A new European ruling on algorithmic amplification determines if an operator controls how content spreads on a platform. But applying it to open social networks turns out to be a problem.
I’m Building an Algorithm That Doesn’t Rot Your Brain
It's Time For an RSS Revival
After years of letting algorithms make up our minds for us, the time is right to go back to basics.
Welcome to the GreenEarth Feeds
Social media algorithms built for people who hate social media algorithms
From Feeds to Trails
To design the future of social media, rethink the interface before the algorithm.
AI-Generated Taylor Swift Porn Went Viral on Twitter. Here's How It Got There
404 Media traced back the viral and abusive images of Taylor Swift to a specific Telegram community. That group sometimes uses Microsoft's AI tools.
Free Our Feeds
Social media is broken: controlled by a handful of billionaires who shape what people see, say, and believe. These platforms profit from division, exploit user data, and lock people into closed systems.
Algorithmic Beef
Depending on the various internets you inhabit, you may not yet be aware that another virulent Twitter (please don't make me call it X) fight erupted last night between rap superstars Nicki Minaj and Cardi B. To be honest, depending on the various internets you inhabit, you may not
Do our social media algorithms correctly reflect our values? Our new article published today in @pnas.org shows that the answer is often not, and that the content that gets promoted into their ranked feeds is often actively counter to our values.
Do our social media algorithms correctly reflect our values? Our new article published today in @pnas.org shows that the answer is often not, and that the content that gets promoted into their ranked feeds is often actively counter to our values.
NEW: In one of the most horrifying stories I've ever reported, I found that Facebook is hosting huge quantities of AI-generated videos of violent child abuse -- kids being beaten, burned, and far more But the genuinely shocking thing was how little Meta seems to care futurism.com/artificial-intelligence/faceb…
Social media algorithms don't allow us to understand or control what we see online and why... until now! Top scholars @jonathanstray.com and @noupside.bsky.social are sharing @mysky.social, a tool that allows users to adjust their feed’s priorities and explains why certain posts appear over others.
🎛️📲 Meet the algorithm you can actually control and understand
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