When algorithms write political scripts

Algorithms played a vital role in determining the outcome of the 2024 US election.

- BIMAL PRATAP SHAH

These invisible forces on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Facebook and TikTok have evolved from tools meant to connect people into powerful influencing forces that determine what people see, believe, and, eventually, how they vote. If we do nothing to curtail their impact, we risk losing the democratic principles that underpin our society.

The social media recommendation algorithms that control our social media feeds are designed to keep people engaged, but they have now become extremely sophisticated and play a central role in shaping public discourse. If a post goes viral, the algorithms decide that more people should see it. People are unaware that an invisible force is shaping political conversation and decisions.

As the election approached, these algorithms didn't treat all the content equally. Platforms like X and Facebook seem to reward posts that stir anger, fear, or outrage. Unlike thought-out perspectives, such posts spread like wildfire, leading to heated online public discourse. Algorithms widened the gap in an already divided political climate in the US and made it difficult for people to get authentic and truthful content.

However, the influence of AI went beyond algorithms. During the campaign, generative AI tools capable of creating hyper-realistic deep-fake content designed to mislead voters flooded social media. Even the fact-checkers could not keep up with the speed of such artificial intelligence techniques. To make matters worse, the social media algorithms implied these viral posts, further confusing the voters.