How to counter act negativity bias in social media

2 points by worldsayshi 4 days ago | 6 comments
Simply put, negativity bias in social media is the tendency for social media algorithms to promote negative content, simply because humans tend to more easily get drawn towards negative information.

This seems like one perspective of what is currently wrong with the world. If we primarily promote negativity we are making it very hard to coordinate around positive developments at scale.

Another aspect of this is that by their nature social media companies are inherently driven down this path for the sake of profit motive. And perhaps whatever company pursues profit most ferociously will end up dominating.

So I wonder what your ideas are here? What are viable strategies for any particular person with some ability to make an impact to steer the trend into another direction here?

Also, can decentralised social media protocols make a difference over time?

  • brudgers 4 days ago
    What are viable strategies for any particular person with some ability to make an impact to steer the trend into another direction here?

    Most platforms allow you to shape your feed.

    But changing what other people want?

    Well that's pretty much the concept you have a problem with...just you want the bucket filled with saccharine-water instead of vinegar. Good luck.

    • worldsayshi 3 days ago
      Sorry but I don't understand what your standpoint is here.
      • brudgers 3 days ago
        Change your feed to what you want.

        Other people’s feeds are none of your damn business.

        • worldsayshi 3 days ago
          So we shouldn't help people make good choices? Only let others manipulate people into making bad choices?