Filter Bubbles and Barriers: How does bias lead to polarization?

 Filter Bubbles and Barriers: 

A Threat to Democracy

In a previous post on fake news, bias was briefly mentioned as being common, but not harmful. However, there are incidences where impartiality or "bias" can lead to polarization and violence. In this post, filter bubbles will take center stage.

First, let's define filter bubbles. The term "filter bubble" was first coined by Internet activist Eli Pariser, and it refers to a state of intellectual isolation that can result from personalized searches when a website algorithm selectively guesses what information a user would like to see based on information about the user. These algorithms are designed to create personalized searches and content specifically for the users based on the user's location, past click-behavior and search history. As a result of filter bubbles, users are often expose to information that reinforces the user's viewpoint and share their opinion, this could result in the user being isolating them in their own cultural or ideological bubbles.

Now that we have defined filter bubbles, let's look at how consumers, themselves, create filter bubbles. Since an algorithm is only part of the equation when it comes to filter bubbles, but the real power to create and eliminate filter bubbles comes from being mindful of how one interacts with the media. 

Consumers can create “filter bubbles” for themselves by taking sides when it comes to how they interact with the media. For example, DC Cinematic Universe and Marvel are two franchises with similar fandoms, but those that follow DC do not support Marvel movies/heroes, and vice versa. This creates a “filter bubble” that impacts what they buy and how they interact with media. Consumers are also loyal to certain brands and products, and they do not want to go against those brands unless new information comes out that they do not like/do not support, and then they boycott them (i.e. Starbucks, Chick-fil-A, Goya Foods; etc.). We limit our own intake of stories by not reaching across the aisle to avoid having our values and opinions be challenged. We often only interact with the media that reinforces our opinion. 

It is important to be media literate and mindful of the five principles of media literacy to be able to escape from a “filter bubble” to “broaden the diversity of media a person consumes." Other ways to escape one's filter bubble is by turning off the customization features, and targeted ads on websites; such as, Google, and this would limit the effect that algorithms have on content. Consumers need to start questioning the truth and the legitimacy of information found on the internet. Media literacy is crucial to minimize one’s “filter bubble, since it is important for both public and journalists to welcome and search out different opinions and read about issues/problems from multiple sources to help prevent the spread of misinformation as well as avoid stereotyping and one's bias from getting in the way.

Another idea mention in the previous post was the idea of "circular journalism." Circular journalism  works when a piece of information appears to come from numerous sources, but only comes from a single source, for example, publication A prints a piece of false information and publication B reprints it. Publication A then cites publication B as the source of the original information. Circular journalism helps spread fake news because there is a lack of verifying information to be true in favor of being the first to write a story leading to inaccurate reporting. “Circular journalism” creates an echo chamber effect, since more people are more likely to believe a story is true if various news organization were reporting on the same story.

In an article entitled "The Causes and Effects of 'Filter Bubbles' and How to Break Free" it talks about the importance of understanding how filter bubbles are created, and in this regard, it is important to understand how algorithms work, since they play a fundamental role even though they aren't the sole cause. 

Why are filter bubbles harmful and why should the public be wary of personalized content on the internet. Filter bubbles can cause separation that could negatively impact democracy. This separation means the public isn't exposed to the same information, thus they cannot have an effective conversation on the same topics. The two sides only see content from their respective echo chambers, they can’t have effective conversations with individuals that disagree with them. With most people getting their news from one source, it is difficult to sympathize with others or understand their point of view as it relates to politics and social issues. Pariser argues that the negative effects of filter bubbles are damaging democracy, since democracy is based on the entire population helping to make decisions, and it gives power to the people by emphasizing the majority. For instance, in the United States, if people are unable to have civil debates, or we are consuming false information then democracy is invalid because there is animosity on the both sides as a result of filter bubbles's polarization.

Not only is the public at risk in regards to filter bubbles, but violence against journalists may be connected to the issues of filter bubbles and circular journalism, since those that attack journalists and news organizations are acting in defense to having their values and ideals dismissed. Since there is already a mistrust in the news and media, people are becoming polarized to avoid having their opinions challenged. When the media aids in spreading fake news through circular journalism and the lack of fairness and impartiality in the news/media, people may feel justified in their attacks against the media. The lack of fairness can radicalize individuals who feel they are being treated as the “bad guy.”