Fighting Social Media
I expect most of us have a basic (very basic in my case) understanding of how algorithms work. My understanding is that if I'm scrolling through Instagram, for example, the platform is keeping an eye on my preferences. It notes what I like and comment on, and then does its best to show me more of that to keep me happy and keep me scrolling - just another thing that makes social media addictive.
Scott Oldford (an entrepreneur that helps other entrepreneurs to grow their businesses) pointed out some of the adverse consequences of this in a post this week. He shares a theory of Eli Pariser called 'The Filter Bubble’ which refers to how the information we are shown online by these algorithms simply reflects our historic thinking and reinforces what we already know. This effect can create 'intellectual isolation.'
*brain exploding emoji* This makes total sense to me.
If Instagram is showing me existing connections and similar posts to what I've liked before, how will I ever get any diverse thinking in my feed? How will I get exposure to people with different political beliefs, religious beliefs or cultures? I'll stay isolated in my existing bubble if I only engage with what it presented to me by the existing algorithms.
What do you need to change about the information you're consuming?
How can you help people in your team to access different insights?
While I already kind of knew this, and was even grateful for the algorithms to an extent (no one wants rubbish in their feed), I hadn't considered how ACTIVE I would need to be to avoid boxing myself in with people who have similar views to me. So take care not to fall in the same trap I did, but if you have, it's not that hard to solve…
Over the last few months I've been seeking out different perspectives to educate myself and I've noticed my news feed change. I'm also following some people who post things I don't always agree with but create a learning opportunity for me. Each week you can follow/ connect with someone 'different' to you. Someone who will expand your thinking and challenge you.
P.S. Watch out for a news feed that is seemingly curated with people who have the same ideas and opinions as you. You can add diversity to your network and create a new information experience that broadens your mind.
P.P.S. There's 2 ways you can currently work with me: 1) a 2 hour breakthrough NLP session or 2) a 4 session coaching programme over 2 months. All phone based. When you're ready, hit reply and we'll agree which approach best serves your goal.
