Understanding the Platforms’ Claims
In an Article in todays New York Times Meta is joining X and YouTube in ‘claiming’ to shift moderation to users. Oh Really?
Today’s social media landscape is heavily influenced by three major players: Meta, X, and YouTube. These platforms often tout their commitment to user-driven content moderation, claiming that they are shifting the responsibility to us, the users. I call hogwash!
The Reality of Algorithm Control
While these companies emphasize user participation in moderating content, they still tightly control the algorithms that dictate what we see online. This power means that every post, every interaction, is subject to the invisible hand of the platform’s design. Their algorithms prioritize engagement over authenticity, often leading to sensationalism, misinformation, and divisive content being promoted while legitimate discussions fade into obscurity.
Profit Over User Experience
At the end of the day, profit will always be the bottom line for these platforms. By keeping users engaged through alarming or controversial content, they increase ad revenue and user retention. Consequently, the supposed shift in moderation might serve as a convenient excuse for these companies to evade responsibility. Gaslighting their users, they perpetuate a cycle where the narrative is controlled from the top down, all while pretending to empower the very individuals they depend on.
