[ExI] Update from H. L. Mencken

[BillK]

On Wed, 1 May 2024 at 19:16, <spike at rainier66.com> wrote:
> BillK, note something important in that survey: they reported the
percentage of adults who said that most or nearly all the news they saw was
inaccurate or misleading.  They took a subjective judgment and converted it
into an objective measure.
>
> More on that later, but think about it.  How do we determine if a news
story is true, misleading, incomplete, or an outright lie?
>
> spike
>-----------------------------

That's easy.  It's the echo chamber effect.
People believe what they want to believe.
And the continuous flood of propaganda and disinformation trains people to
believe.
There are good reasons for the billions spent on advertising and
propaganda. It works!
BillK

According to www.iAsk.ai <https://iask.ai/> Ask Ai Questions Search Engine:
<https://helpfulprofessor.com/echo-chamber-examples/>

*Internet Echo Chamber*

An internet echo chamber refers to the phenomenon where individuals are
exposed primarily to information and viewpoints that align with their
existing beliefs and preferences, creating a self-reinforcing cycle of
confirmation bias. This concept has become increasingly prevalent in the
digital age, particularly due to the personalized algorithms used by social
media platforms and search engines. These algorithms tailor content based
on users’ past behavior, interactions, and interests, thereby limiting
exposure to diverse perspectives and contributing to the polarization of
opinions.

In an internet echo chamber, individuals are more likely to encounter
information that reinforces their preconceived notions while being shielded
from dissenting or challenging viewpoints. This can lead to a narrowing of
perspectives, reduced critical thinking, and a diminished capacity for
empathy towards differing opinions. The echo chamber effect can also foster
group polarization, where like-minded individuals become more extreme in
their views through repeated exposure to similar ideas.

The consequences of internet echo chambers extend beyond individual
cognitive biases. They can have significant implications for societal
discourse and democratic processes. By segregating individuals into
isolated information bubbles, these echo chambers hinder constructive
dialogue, compromise, and the formation of common ground necessary for a
healthy democracy. Moreover, they can amplify misinformation,
disinformation, and propaganda by reinforcing false narratives within
closed networks.

Efforts to combat the negative effects of internet echo chambers include
promoting serendipity in online experiences—exposing users to diverse
content outside their usual preferences—and enhancing transparency in
content curation algorithms used by platforms like Facebook, Google, and
Twitter. Addressing the issue requires a multi-faceted approach involving
technological innovations, media literacy initiatives, regulatory measures,
and individual awareness about the dangers of information silos.

In conclusion, the concept of internet echo chambers underscores the
challenges posed by personalized online experiences that prioritize
engagement over diversity of perspectives. Recognizing and mitigating these
echo chambers is essential for fostering informed citizenship, promoting
open discourse, and safeguarding democratic values in the digital age.

---------------------------------
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://lists.extropy.org/pipermail/extropy-chat/attachments/20240501/8a3aa8c5/attachment.htm>