Do algorithms choose our leaders? Interview with Max Fisher #86

Podcast Demagoga

Everyday we hold in our hands one of the most advanced technologies based on artificial intelligence. It's in our phones, tablets and computers. The social media algorithms.

Recently, there has been a big discussion about chatbots and a possible risk of using them in massive production of misinformation. Meanwhile, algorithms already know that users of social platforms like to engage in outrageous, emotional, divisive, and judgmental content. That is why such content in promoted.

Our reaction to that kind of content not always stop on hitting a like-button. Sometimes what we read online convinces us to a certain point of view. Sometimes people take an offline action: for example, storm a pizza place or the Capitol.

Can algorithms influence us to vote for a particular candidate? Do they like to throw political misinformation at us? Can they make us change our political views? Do algorithms need to be turned off immediately?

We spoke with New York Times journalist, Max Fisher, about algorithms and their impact on the real world, including politics. On May 31 the premiere of his book "The Chaos Machine. The Inside Story of How Social Media Rewired Our Minds and Our World" took place in Poland.

Useful links:

1. https://www.szczeliny.pl/w-trybach-chaosu

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