Feedback loops and echo chambers: How algorithms amplify viewpoints

Whether it's allegations of ethnic cleansing in Myanmar, anti-Muslim violence in Sri Lanka or the "gilets jaunes" protests in France, it is clear that social media platforms are helping spread divisive messages online at an alarming rate and potentially fueling offline violence. But the debate is about whether these platforms are an essential cause, without which these events could not have happened, or merely reflect real-world tensions. Read more: Debate: The'gilets jaunes' movement is not a Facebook revolution Algorithmic amplification is when some online content becomes popular at the expense of other viewpoints. This is a reality on many of the platforms we interact with today. The history of our clicks, likes, comments and shares are the data powering the algorithmic engine.