Does anyone actually rely on recommended content put forth by algorithms? Are there people out there who are as stupid as an advertising (just by way of example) bot that recommends a computer or a car to a consumer who has just made such a major purchase, or recommends a non-organic product to a buyer who is clearly searching only for organic products with a shopping history of buying only organic foods? Perhaps content-censoring algorithms on youtube are smarter, smart enough to successfully squelch content in response to youtube's corporate masters, but viewers have the ultimate control when it comes to opting out, just as they did with mainstream media.
Propaganda is most successful when people don't know they are being lied to, or that other voices or opinions even exist. It is mostly this set of consumers who are targeted by these algorithms. Then again, there are those who have no interest in what's real, but only wish to be fed the most comforting lie.
Indeed, Marci. Your comment reminds me--I think these corporate fascists believe that we're a bunch of lazy ne'er-do-wells with slow intellects and the inability to grasp when we're being fed corporate propaganda. Well, we've been deluged with propaganda since the post-WWII corporate "elites" brought Edward Bernays across the pond. Plus, we're survivors of a coopted system of public education designed to spit out factory fodder and service industry drones with stunted critical thinking skills and a visceral aversion to all things academic. This fact provides a commonality that transcends all isms. We must recognize this and have each others' backs, or we will not survive what's coming. #OurRevolution #ExtinctionRebellion
Does anyone actually rely on recommended content put forth by algorithms? Are there people out there who are as stupid as an advertising (just by way of example) bot that recommends a computer or a car to a consumer who has just made such a major purchase, or recommends a non-organic product to a buyer who is clearly searching only for organic products with a shopping history of buying only organic foods? Perhaps content-censoring algorithms on youtube are smarter, smart enough to successfully squelch content in response to youtube's corporate masters, but viewers have the ultimate control when it comes to opting out, just as they did with mainstream media.
Propaganda is most successful when people don't know they are being lied to, or that other voices or opinions even exist. It is mostly this set of consumers who are targeted by these algorithms. Then again, there are those who have no interest in what's real, but only wish to be fed the most comforting lie.
It works on everyone to some extent though. If you follow a source regularly you should assume you've agreed to be manipulated toward their positions.
Indeed, Marci. Your comment reminds me--I think these corporate fascists believe that we're a bunch of lazy ne'er-do-wells with slow intellects and the inability to grasp when we're being fed corporate propaganda. Well, we've been deluged with propaganda since the post-WWII corporate "elites" brought Edward Bernays across the pond. Plus, we're survivors of a coopted system of public education designed to spit out factory fodder and service industry drones with stunted critical thinking skills and a visceral aversion to all things academic. This fact provides a commonality that transcends all isms. We must recognize this and have each others' backs, or we will not survive what's coming. #OurRevolution #ExtinctionRebellion