The Prof G Pod with Scott Galloway Algorithms and the Threats to Democracy
Sep 17, 2020
Yaël Eisenstat, a visiting fellow at Cornell Tech and former Elections Integrity Head for Political Ads at Facebook, discusses the threats that social media poses to democracy. She highlights how algorithms prioritize engagement over integrity, leading to divisive content that undermines civil discourse. Yaël also stresses the importance of regulatory reform in social media to combat misinformation. The conversation delves into TikTok's engagement strategies and the unsettling realities of digital manipulation in electoral processes.
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TikTok's Algorithm
- TikTok's power lies in its "signal liquidity."
- It gathers numerous data points to curate highly personalized content, making it addictive.
Quibi vs. TikTok
- Quibi failed due to older founders, insufficient signal liquidity, and expensive content.
- TikTok thrives on user-generated content and algorithms.
Algorithm Dangers
- Algorithms, driven by engagement, often amplify enragement.
- This can be exploited to manipulate political discourse and suppress votes.