tech
December 24, 2025
No bickering around the Christmas tree! If your family are trapped by their algorithms, here’s the way out
My research on social media shows high levels of misinformation and disconnect. Here’s how to talk to kith and kin this week without tears and tantrums
TL;DR
- Holiday gatherings can be strained by "wokeness" debates and bigoted relatives, a common social media theme.
- Cultural and political polarization is amplified by social media information silos and algorithmic personalization.
- Instead of debating specific viewpoints, discuss the technological processes creating "filter bubbles" and "you loops."
- The "attention economy" sells user time and attention to advertisers, allowing misinformation to flourish as it's often more engaging.
- Algorithms tailor content, limiting exposure to diverse viewpoints and potentially shaping individual worldviews.
- Recognizing these structures is key; conversations should focus on broader processes rather than specific arguments.
- Proactive, short conversations focusing on the "big picture" and inspiring agency can help individuals and loved ones critically assess online information.
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