Recommendation algorithms operated by social media giants TikTok and X have shown evidence of substantial far-right political bias in Germany ahead of a

Recommendation algorithms operated by social media giants TikTok and X have shown evidence of substantial far-right political bias in Germany ahead of a federal election that takes place Sunday, according to new research carried out by Global Witness.

The non-government organization (NGO) undertook an analysis of social media content displayed to new users via algorithmically sorted “For You” feeds — finding both platforms skewed heavily toward amplifying content that favors the far-right AfD party in algorithmically programmed feeds.

Global Witness’ tests identified the most extreme bias on TikTok, where 78% of the political content that was algorithmically recommended to its test accounts, and came from accounts the test users did not follow, was supportive of the AfD party. (It notes this figure far exceeds the level of support the party is achieving in current polling, where it attracts backing from around 20% of German voters.)

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  • kandoh@reddthat.comEnglish
    0·
    2 days ago

    Legalation banning algorithmic feeds and replacing them with chronological posts from users you subscribe to is imperative to fixing our politics and improving the mental health of young people.

    • morrowind@lemmy.mlEnglish
      0·
      2 days ago

      Chronological is an algorithm too bruh. There’s nothing inherently wrong with algorithms, they’re just a tool. Modern social media tends to use them for engagement and advertiser$$, which is harmful.

      • KSP Atlas@sopuli.xyzEnglish
        0·
        2 days ago

        Making a video sharing app which isn’t based as much around a single algorithmic feed?

    • technocrit@lemmy.dbzer0.comEnglish
      0·
      2 days ago

      What if I want to install my own algorithm on a Pixelfed feed? What if developers make a variety of competing, open source algorithms? Y’all gonna ban all those “algorithms” too? Be careful of calling for state violence to impose your vague opinions.