Experts conclude that algorithms have caused confusion, polarization, and chaos in society by encouraging provocative and negative content over in-depth discussion.
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While it has helped bring voice to the mainstream, experts have pointed out that its misuse has led to confusion, polarization, and chaos in society. They say this is particularly problematic as social media algorithms encourage inflammatory and negative content over thoughtful discussion.
They expressed the view that the chaos seen on the network is not just a problem of technical algorithms but is the result of global chaos and institutional failure. On the second day of the ‘Kantipur Conclave’, in a session titled ‘Chautari of Dialogue, Confusion of Algorithms’, speakers discussed the impact of technology, public debate and idea formation. AI scientist Dobhan Rai and senior journalist Pratik Pradhan, along with Asimman Singh Basnyat and Nisha Adhikari, who recently entered politics, participated in this session.
‘Content creator’ Dipesh Tripathi, as a facilitator, asked questions about the various impacts that digital platforms have had on Nepali society, the media sector and politics. AI scientist Rai said that although the initial concept of social media was positive, it has now played a role in spreading confusion.
‘The form of algorithms we are seeing now is not what technology developers initially dreamed of,’ she said. ‘The owners of big tech companies like Meta and TikTok are now focused on profit-maximizing strategies rather than people-oriented technology. Their algorithms are promoting such negative things more because they are more engaged in abusive and angry conversations than in-depth and meaningful dialogue.’
Expert Rai emphasized that the bizarre form seen on social media is not just a problem of technology. Rather, she said that the collective manifestation of the economic, geopolitical and environmental crises existing in society and globally is taking place through social media. ‘Algorithms are just mathematical models, we cannot blame them all,’ she said. ‘It is not that technology or algorithms will always remain like this. This current problem is also a result of our institutional failure. The chaos in society has increased because people's trust in institutions has become religious.'
Bahrakhari.com Editor-in-Chief Pratik Pradhan said that it is ironic that media and journalism are following algorithms and social media or becoming 'followers'. He clarified that journalism is not just 'content creation' but also has other responsibilities. 'This is a profession where those who do wrong are punished and their professional reputation is destroyed,' he said, 'Journalism was earlier an opinion leader but now it has become a follower, looking for what is on whose timeline or who tweeted what, and journalism is guided by the algorithms of social media.'
According to journalist Pradhan, the problem is not only the algorithm of technology. From religion to food selection, he said that algorithms control everything and even the media is in the grip of various such algorithms. He pointed out that the main fear of the current algorithm is not only the 'echo chamber' but also fake followers, fake likes, fake comments and AI-generated deepfake content, which are even bigger challenges. Social media platforms have been accused of creating 'echo chambers' by only showing information or content that is consistent with their own views, beliefs, interests and perceptions.
Politician Nisha Adhikari expressed the view that although myths and misleading information seriously affect candidates involved in election campaigns, this is not a personal issue but an issue that needs to be addressed at the policy level. 'Our grandparents and children are more affected by the illusion of social media, they believe everything,' she said, 'To build a just society, we must address the problem of social media or algorithms through regulation and policy.'
In the discussion, politician Basnyat, who is also the Managing Director of Pathao Nepal, expressed his views on both the power and negative aspects of social media. According to him, on the positive side, social media has increased awareness and given the common man his identity. However, he mentioned that the attacks on social media that focus on individuals rather than ideas have weakened social debate. ‘We cannot ignore social media, we must think about how to use it,’ was his conclusion.
Adhikari and Basnyat, who are also candidates for the upcoming House of Representatives elections, both claimed to emphasize agenda-based and dignified digital propaganda rather than the race to become ‘viral’ or ‘go viral’ on social media.
‘There are two options: go viral right now, earn views and play on emotions, or stick to the same agenda for five years like running a marathon and establish it as a national issue,’ Basnyat said, ‘I want to run a marathon.’
Another candidate, Adhikari, also mentioned that she has decided to make her election campaign a ‘clean campaign’ and completely ‘agenda-centric’. ‘I am aware that the impact of what I post on social media can be very intense and widespread in society, so I have decided not to engage in any kind of misleading, manipulative and sensational propaganda,’ she said. ‘The Election Commission and the Press Council should formulate clear guidelines for candidates on social media. This can make the digital space clean and politically transparent during the election.’
