Do you read comments online and think that the world is going crazy? You are not alone.
It seems like everyone is so angry. In every social issue there is extreme polarization.
The problem is the algorithms of the supercomputers (especially from Meta, Twitter, Google and TikTok) that are competing for our attention, turning the dial up on every issue. It’s always the most extreme, the most polarizing, the most disagreeable, the most superficial, the most hateful post, view and comment that gets the most attention.
The algorithm seldom promotes nuance, understanding and kindness because that is not as profitable. The algorithm doesn’t care about your mental health or if you sleep enough, it just wants you hooked on the screen.
But what is the solution? The organization the Center for Humane Technology has great knowledge on this issue. The answer is to drive a comprehensive shift toward humane technology that supports our well-being, democracy, and shared information environment.
By lobbying for more humane tech we can put pressure on the companies to change the algorithms to be more aligned with the values of a healthy society.
The interesting thing here is not to curate or censor the actual content, but to change the algorithms to promote mental health, understanding, kindness and collaboration.
And maybe then we could get more people, especially our youth, to put down their phone and be mindful of their sleep. This would do a lot for their mental health which is a problem that is getting worse.
