In this tech era, almost every individual has direct access to the internet. They are using social media daily. Usage of social media has become a part of our life. It won’t be objectionable to say that most of the population is addicted to it.
Being such active users of social media, still many lack the basic info about the working and the algorithm of these social media platforms. The tech giants use this to manipulate the users’ data.
Unknowingly, we are providing each detail to these social media mammoths. They maneuver our thoughts by showing us the content based on our recent activities. Such activities lead the user to dive deep and deep into that particular content. Unluckily if that content is hate-based, more and more hatred will generate in that user.
Keeping such scenarios in mind, the “filter bubble transparent act” was introduced. It would allow users to set off the settings that fetch their data.
Table of Contents
THE CURRENT ALGORITHM OF FACEBOOK
Facebook tracks us. Yes! You heard that right. Even when someone is not using the app, they are still being followed. Facebook collects this data and creates a manipulated news feed for its users. Such techniques lead the tech giants towards more heavy pockets. In an interview given to BuyInstagramFollowers.uk, a former employee of Facebook has narrated that it promotes decisive and hateful content that creates a sense of tension and violence among the consumers.
WHAT IS THE FILTER BUBBLE TRANSPARENCY ACT?
PRESENTATION OF THIS ACT
Reps presented this act. Ken Buck (R-Colo.), David Cicilline (D-R.I.), Lori Trahan (D-Mass.), and Burgess Owens (R-Utah). A bipartisan group of House lawmakers.
AIM OF THIS ACT
To stop the tech giants from having direct access to our data, an act was introduced in July 2021. This act aims to give the users the option to opt for the nature of the newsfeed they want.
The current newsfeed of the consumers is based on their personalized manipulated data. The algorithm of these apps runs on the “suggestion” mode. Unknowingly, the users’ data is being fetched, and it creates the newsfeed that serves the marketing purpose of these tech giants.
The bottom line of this act is:
“To require that internet platforms give users the option to engage with the platform without being manipulated by the algorithms.”
This act won’t rule out the entire “opaque” recommendation algorithm but will develop a way that allows its users to select the newsfeed of their choice. According to this act, it will be fruitful for the user as the security of data would be prioritized.
PERKS OF THESE ACTS
USERS CAN SET NEWS FEEDS ACCORDING TO THEIR TASTE
According to this act, the users will have the freedom to optimize their newsfeed. They can turn off the “suggestion” mode whenever they want. Moreover, the companies that will continue to use the recommendation will provide their users a vivid notification educating them about how their data is being fetched. They can set this setting according to their need.
LESSER ADDICTION TO SOCIAL MEDIA USE
When the “recommendation” mode is functional, the news feed is filled with the posts that intrigue you the most. It is based on your data and keeps you hooked on and busy. It led to the addition of social media, which is hard to escape later.
But, according to this act, you can disable the recommendation mode and set your feed. A newly added post will appear on your news feed that doesn’t involve the process of data manipulation. This feature would significantly reduce the addiction to social media use.
LESSER EXPLICIT CONTENT
There have been allegations on Facebook that it intentionally uses its explicit content to spoil the young generations. In addition, teaching violence into the minds of their consumers has been its practice.
No surprise, Facebook has denied all these allegations.
Social media shows us the content based on your location, interest, engagement, etc. It can create a scenario of violence in any user’s mind by manipulating its mind by its content. Over the years, the abuse and hate among the people have drastically increased.
If this act is passed, people would be able to filter the useless appalling recommendations. The explicit content ratio will decrease, which will ultimately lessen the extremism.
TECH GIANTS- A HURDLE FOR THIS ACT TO APPROVE
In every business, marketing serves as the basic foundation. It bears the load of the entire industry. If it is not strong, the industry wouldn’t be standing. Facebook business pages may not be standing if buying Facebook Page Likes opportunity wasn’t there.
The tech giants allow other businesses to use their platform as a marketing hub. This profits in a significant number and can’t be ignored. The primary reason behind the successful marketing run on these platforms is manipulating the user’s data. They display the products and other items that might be of user interest, leading to a solid sales lead.
Now, for a moment, think, what if the recommendation mode does not enable the consumer’s news feed. The user won’t be a prime target for these businesses, which might be a loss.
Due to this reason, approving this act won’t be a piece of cake. Stronger arguments and leads would be required for this act to be functional.
Conclusion
Recommendation mode can be helpful. However, many individuals don’t know exactly how much their experience during these stages is being controlled and how this control can have negative impacts.
Proper guidance is in dire need to help the individual understand the powerful AI system of these platforms. Once they have understood the basics, they would be cautious about fetching their data. It will refrain them from sharing their data on social media platforms.
This act still needs to be approved. The road to approval seems to have pits and bumps but let’s see how it goes.
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