Poll: 7/10 Americans think it's likely social media orgs censor political views - Polidicks

http://thehill.com/policy/technology/394607-poll-seven-in-ten-americans-think-its-likely-social-media-companies-censor Most Americans say they think it’s likely that social media companies censor political views that they find objectionable, according to a new Pew Research Center poll. Seventy-two percent of respondents said it is either somewhat likely or very likely that tech companies engage in censorship. That suspicion is strongest among Republicans, with 85 percent saying that it's likely Silicon Valley is censoring certain political views. By comparison, 62 percent of Democrats had the same response. Most Republicans, 64 percent, also say that tech companies favor liberals over conservatives. Forty-three percent of all respondents agree, while another 43 percent say that tech companies view conservatives and liberals equally. Silicon Valley has been dogged by accusations of anti-conservative bias from Republicans, including some top GOP leaders. Earlier this month, Facebook sent a group of executives to meet with House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (Calif.) and other Republicans who have expressed concerns about tech companies' supposed liberal leanings. Still, the survey found that social media companies are mostly viewed in a positive light despite the growing scrutiny from lawmakers. Sixty-three percent of the public say that their impact on society has been more good than bad, and 74 percent say the same about the impact the industry has had on them personally. The study included results from 4,594 U.S. adults who were surveyed between May 29 and June 11. The survey has a margin of error of 2.4 percentage points.

Social media in its current form should just die. It would benefit us all.

I wouldn't necessarily say they censor views deliberately. But as we've seen with Youtube and Facebook their automated systems are very easily gamed, and they have a tendency to signal boost far right views while burying more moderate ones.

Far-Right views are much more attention-grabbing, which is why the system encourages extreme views. Extreme views = More attention = More ad revenue.

Far left views literally result in the people at the top making less money, it's no surprise they would work to maintain the status quo that benefits them.

It's fascinating that a lot of Silicon Valley types are using flip phones now. They know what the rest of the population doesn't, what they created is beyond our control. Meaningful political discourse was falling but social media put the nail on the coffin. Also relevant: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LPwR1i-sWpo

considering youtube's algorithm keeps demonetizing lgbtq content creators & slapping homophobic/transphobic ads next to their videos all too often, like yeah this is obvious but i find it hilarious conservatives think they're the ones being censored the most when we can't even get actual literal nazis banned from twitter

Through out the entire time having any form of social media (Facebook, myspace, etc.) I've never been happier than I am right now. Reason being, I deleted the shit out of all my social media! Only SM I really have is a business account for Insta, and Snapchat just to send my Girlfriend lovey dovey pictures. Honestly I really cant see how any of them benefit society, if anything everyone is more depressed, judging themselves and others over dumb garbage, believing propaganda, the list really goes on and on. #deleteyourSM

Social media is a tool, and if you treat it like such, I don't think its an issue. The problem is taking it too personal to the extent that it controls you, rather than vice-versa. For most professionals, networking is arguably the most important way to move up, and social media is a convenient way to do this

yeah but isn't facepunch technically a form of social media anyway?

Forums are a classical form of social media dating back to the 80's. I'm pretty sure he means modern stuff like fb/twitter.

I wrote a white paper on this kinda thing, and the main issue is that people on social media have friends of a similar political alignment, but social media algorithms do have an impact on it overall. The graph below shows a particular user's friends on facebook and their alignment, showing liberals have more liberal friends and visa versa. I can link my paper (with sources etc) if anyone is interested. https://files.facepunch.com/forum/upload/731/4a180939-0440-4de5-aa0d-601e513fb536/Screen Shot 2018-07-03 at 3.37.36 PM.png

I'd like a copy of that white paper, if possible.

Here's a drive link: Echo Chambers, Filter Bubbles, and our responsibility as Softwar.. I'm interested in hearing your thoughts if you're keen

Sure, I'll read it now and then edit this post with my thoughts.

I constantly see an independent running for governor in my state on my facebook feed, but whenever I actually try to scroll down and look at their videos/posts, they instantly disappear and are replaced with some shitty ad. But I haven't seen ANYTHING else from any other people running for governor here.

My decision to stick with a flip phone feels more and more validated by the day.

Isn't it close to 100%? I can't imagine many social media platform not censoring something like ISIS propaganda

Thanks so much! It means a lot to hear that from someone outside my own echo chamber haha