Algorithmic Influence: Twitter’s Role in Shaping Public Discourse and Amplifying Radical Content

DOI

10.2991/978-2-38476-247-7_55How to use a DOI?

Keywords

social media algorithms; echo chambers; radical content; user engagement

Abstract

The digital landscape, reshaped by the ascent of social media platforms, has revolutionized the way individuals consume, share, and interact with information. This research focuses on Twitter, a platform central to shaping public discourse, influencing opinions, and driving socio-political movements. Through a meticulous Systematic Literature Review (SLR) methodology, this study aims to unravel the interplay between Twitter's recommendation algorithms and the consequent effects on user behavior and societal norms. Findings highlight instances where Twitter inadvertently amplified radical content, as seen in events like the Occupy Wall Street movement and the 2016 U.S. presidential election. An examination of the psychological impact reveals the existence of echo chambers, which not only amplify but also validate extremist beliefs, potentially normalizing such views in the broader societal context. The study also illuminates how user interaction metrics, such as likes and retweets, significantly influence content visibility, creating a feedback loop that may prioritize sensational or controversial content. In-depth discussions raise ethical concerns surrounding content recommendation algorithms, emphasizing the need for transparency, accountability, and a balance between user engagement and societal well-being. The research concludes by emphasizing the profound societal implications of unchecked radical content dissemination on platforms like Twitter. The study underscores the urgency for interventions ensuring a balanced digital discourse, given the platform's profound capability to mold public opinion and reshape societal norms.

Copyright

© 2024 The Author(s)

Open Access

Open Access This chapter is licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/), which permits any noncommercial use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons license and indicate if changes were made.

Download article (PDF)

TY  - CONF
AU  - Hestutomo Restu Kuncoro
AU  - Khuswatun Hasanah
AU  - Dyah Lupita Sari
AU  - Erna Kurniawati
PY  - 2024
DA  - 2024/09/04
TI  - Algorithmic Influence: Twitter’s Role in Shaping Public Discourse and Amplifying Radical Content
BT  - Proceedings of the 2nd International Conference on Advance Research in Social and Economic Science (ICARSE 2023)
PB  - Atlantis Press
SP  - 549
EP  - 553
SN  - 2352-5398
UR  - https://doi.org/10.2991/978-2-38476-247-7_55
DO  - 10.2991/978-2-38476-247-7_55
ID  - Kuncoro2024
ER  -