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I am a 15-year-old girl. Let me show you the vile misogyny that confronts me on social media every day (www.theguardian.com)
submitted 6 months ago* (last edited 6 months ago) by to c/technology@lemmy.world
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Objectification, hate, rape threats: the politicians debating online abuse mean well, but to truly understand, they need to see what I see

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[–] 25 points 6 months ago (3 children)

I kind of feel like social media already does put toxic people together and that has lead them to compete on how toxic they can be. I don't think forcing gross people into communities with a bunch of people who think the same way helps at all. Being seperated from that and seeing more perspectives seems better.

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  • [–] 7 points 6 months ago (2 children)

    You're right that putting people in bubbles is probably one way some of these things get worse. If all you see is toxic, toxic is the norm, now you're always toxic.

    Maybe they can tricked.

    Although really what we're talking about is the algorithm that currently exists being focused on highlighting terrible people doing terrible things. Can we turn that same algorithm around and use it for good?

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  • [–] 11 points 6 months ago (1 child)

    Personally I think we should get rid of the algorithms all together and go back to timeline with only people you follow, but I also just looked outside and there are no flying pigs.

    I am not sure if the algorithm is particularly evil or just uncaring and optimizing for engagement. An algorithm that specifically tried to keep you out of bubbles would be interesting, but there is the question if people would enjoy using it enough for it to do any good or for companies to want to use it without being forced to.

    I try to do my best to stay away from algorithms lately. I think being more intentional about it helps me, but perhaps that doesn't work for some people. I think we need to figure something out though because the effects are obviously pretty bad.

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  • [–] 3 points 6 months ago

    An algorithm that actively attempts to keep me out of bubbles sounds like an algorithm that ensures I keep seeing bigoted opinions about people like me. I do think that there can be decent uses of algorithms, but I don't think that corporate social media is going to provide it.

    I also think we have a serious problem of a lot of people want the algorithm. It's extremely habit forming and mindless. Hell I much preferred it back in the early days to having to find new websites and all that. It just came with a massive price I wouldn't've paid had I known.

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