The Great Unraveling: Social Media Algorithms and Their Societal Impact

From the very beginning, I’ve been passionate about creating online spaces that prioritize genuine human connection and user autonomy. My journey began in 1998 when I started working with Bulletin Board Systems (BBS). The ethos of that era, where sysops (system operators) didn’t intervene in users’ experiences unless absolutely necessary, shaped my vision for the future of digital communities.
Jump to today, and the social networking landscape has changed beyond recognition. Many platforms now rely heavily on algorithms to curate content, often at the expense of user control, privacy, and mental well-being. These algorithms are built to maximize engagement, frequently pushing sensational and extreme content to keep us hooked. The result? Echo chambers where diverse perspectives are drowned out, replaced by self-affirming silos, and a rise in mental health issues due to constant exposure to extreme content.
At the heart of my approach lies a resolute commitment to non-interference with the user experience. What you see in your timeline should be determined by the content posted by your friends or the pages and groups you choose to follow. This simple yet profound principle empowers you with more control over the content you consume, free from the manipulative influence of algorithms.
Moreover, protecting your data is a top priority for me. Unlike many other platforms, we do not sell access to user data to advertisers. Your personal information remains just that—personal. We don’t allow advertisers to track your internet activity or place tracking cookies on your devices. This strict policy ensures that your privacy is always upheld.
I stand firm in the decision not to sell user data to anyone. Your privacy is not up for negotiation. By charging for premium memberships at some of the sites I build, I ensure that revenue comes directly from our users, not third-party advertisers. This model allows me to prioritize data privacy and security, providing you with a secure and valued online experience.
Reflecting on the ethos of the BBS era, I strive to reclaim the lost values of those early days of online communities. Back then, users interacted without the injection of algorithms to influence behavior. The role of system operators was to maintain order, not to manipulate the user experience. This spirit of non-interference is essential to creating truly democratic and inclusive digital spaces.
My goal has always been to build social spaces that honor user privacy, maintain data integrity, and promote genuine human connections. In these spaces, you are not a commodity; you are a valued member of a community. By eschewing algorithms, I can avoid the echo-chamber effect and ensure diverse, balanced viewpoints can flourish.
To understand the potential dangers, we need only look to history. During the Rwandan genocide, radio played a chilling role in inciting violence and manipulating public sentiment. Extremist radio stations broadcast hateful propaganda, spreading false information and encouraging the majority Hutu population to commit acts of violence against the Tutsi minority. This use of media to incite mass violence is a stark reminder of how powerful and dangerous media can be when weaponized. Social media algorithms have the potential to do this on an unprecedented scale. The reach and speed of digital platforms amplify their capacity for harm, turning local conflicts into global crises with the swipe of a finger.
As we continue to navigate the complexities of the digital age, we must prioritize ethical design and responsible regulation. We must recognize the power of algorithms to shape our interactions and perceptions and advocate for platforms that respect user autonomy and privacy.
By building social networks without algorithms, we can work towards a digital environment that promotes truth, balance, and safety. This approach isn’t merely a vision for the future; it emphasizes how returning to the fundamental principles that once guided the creation of online communities can significantly enhance the internet and its influence on society.
By implementing sensible regulation, respecting privacy, and allowing the free exchange of ideas, we can reclaim the Internet as a space for genuine human connection and collective growth.