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1. Carl T. Bergstrom (ct_bergstrom@fediscience.org)'s status on Wednesday, 18-Jan-2023 15:26:37 JST Carl T. Bergstrom

   I've been speaking and writing lately about how tech companies try to shift the discussion on misinformation, polarization, harassment, etc., away from the systems and structures that are inherently toxic and toward questions of individual behavior.

   This way they can blame their own users for any pathology and steer clear of calls for systemic change.

   Today Elon Musk has come through with a perfect illustration for my future talks.

   #socialmedia #twitter #ElonMusk

   • Ardainian Hebrew Israelite (ardainianright@detroitriotcity.com)'s status on Wednesday, 18-Jan-2023 15:26:36 JST Ardainian Hebrew Israelite

     in reply to
     @ct_bergstrom "Misinformation" and "harassment" are never, ever enforced with a shred of impartiality. Anyone who dares push back against the approved faggot narratives gets punished while globohomo supporters are immune from consequences. Eat shit.
   • Ardainian Hebrew Israelite (ardainianright@detroitriotcity.com)'s status on Wednesday, 18-Jan-2023 15:28:52 JST Ardainian Hebrew Israelite

     in reply to
     @ct_bergstrom Musk is a faggot and Twitter is faggy for pushing shit onto your timeline you never signed up for. This is why I came to Fedi. Fuck gay algorithms, I follow who I want.
   • Carl T. Bergstrom (ct_bergstrom@fediscience.org)'s status on Wednesday, 18-Jan-2023 15:28:54 JST Carl T. Bergstrom

     in reply to

     This should be obvious, but having an algorithm that behaves that way is a DELIBERATE CHOICE.

     It would be easy enough, for example, to implement basic sentiment analysis so that the algorithm doesn't boost content that you have reacted negatively to in the future.

     Musk is playing it both ways. He keeps the algorithm that boosts inflammatory content and drives the online conflicts that draw views and clicks, while pushing the blame for this off onto the individuals involved.

     That sucks.

   • NEETzsche (neetzsche@iddqd.social)'s status on Wednesday, 18-Jan-2023 15:30:06 JST NEETzsche

     in reply to

     What kind of “systemic change” are you hoping for that doesn’t just amount to banning anybody who disagrees with you?

     Ardainian Hebrew Israelite likes this.