TED Talks Daily

What obligation do social media platforms have to the greater good? | Eli Pariser

Nov 7, 2019
Eli Pariser, a technologist and advocate for online democracy, dives into the evolving role of social media as public spaces. He discusses the ethical obligations these platforms have toward society, touching on issues of misinformation and division. Pariser draws intriguing parallels between social media design and urban planning, emphasizing that online communities should foster trust and diversity. He argues for a responsible approach to content moderation and algorithm transparency, aiming to create enriching digital experiences that serve the greater good.
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INSIGHT

Platforms as Spaces

  • Online platforms, like physical spaces, shape user behavior.
  • Good online spaces need structure and norms, similar to physical spaces like workplaces or libraries.
ANECDOTE

Twitter as a Cavernous Expanse

  • Eli Pariser compares Twitter to a chaotic space with no structure.
  • He notes the lack of divisions and the owner's profit from noise contribute to its messy nature.
INSIGHT

Silicon Valley's Structure Myopia

  • Silicon Valley's unstructured approach to online spaces stems from its loose, Californian counter-culture origins.
  • This lack of structure can lead to anomie, a feeling of normlessness, and potential political consequences.
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