How Algorithms and Extreme Views on Social Media Increase Social Polarization
Recent research shows that algorithmic structures and extreme views on social media create a false perception of polarization in society and increase emotional distance.
Algorithmic structures on social media and intensive sharing by a minority holding extreme views create a perception of polarization that does not reflect reality. Scientific data reveals that this situation increases emotional distance among users.
Algorithmic Illusion and the Visibility of Extreme Views
Comprehensive studies conducted on a global scale shed light on the root cause of the false perception of polarization in the digital sphere. Individuals with radical attitudes produce significantly more content compared to the moderate majority.
This situation causes extreme views to be between 6 percent and 22 percent more visible than their actual representation in society, leading users to the misconception that society is radicalizing.
Increase in Emotional Distance
It was determined that the shared content carries a much more toxic, hateful, and hostile language compared to the real-life beliefs of users. This causes the average user to develop a large emotional distance toward the opposing group.
The vocal extremes dominating the system lay the groundwork for individuals to drift apart by creating a false perception of polarization in society.
Field Experiments and the Impact of Algorithms
The algorithmic structure of social media platforms that prioritizes anger has also been proven by scientific field experiments. When content containing hostility is increased in feeds, the feeling of coldness toward the opposing political group rapidly escalates.
When hate-focused content is restricted, however, the tone between groups softens, showing that algorithmic interventions play a critical role in emotional shifts.
Echo Chambers and User Preferences
Not only algorithms but also users' own choices play a determining role in the process. People following accounts close to their own views and blocking opposing ideas create echo chambers.
Research conducted in Turkey shows that an overwhelming majority of citizens do not interact with people of different ideologies and do not follow them.