Could social media feeds be shaping how people view the Israel-Gaza war? Algorithms on platforms like TikTok recommend content based on users' preferences, potentially driving them towards more divisive content that reinforces their existing views and biases. This has the potential to shape public opinion and normalize rhetoric offline as well. The impact of social media on political activism is particularly evident in the UK.
Young or old. TikTok or X. Pro-Israeli or pro-Palestinian. Your social media feeds are unique to you. Could they be shaping how you view the Israel-Gaza war? When I open up my TikTok feed, two videos play one after the other. The first shows four Israeli soldiers dancing with guns, set against a blue sky. The other is a young woman speaking from her bedroom, with a prominent pro-Palestinian caption.
TikTok's algorithm will determine what kind of videos I want to see and recommend similar content, based on which of the two videos I watch until the end. The algorithms work in a similar way for other social media platforms too and it means some users are being driven towards increasingly divisive content about Israel and Gaza that only entrench their existing views and biases. It matters because conversations on social media can shape public opinion - and normalise rhetoric that spills offline, at protests and beyond. That includes the UK, where social media seems to have encouraged many people who are not normally politically active, to take actio
Social Media Israel-Gaza War Algorithms Divisive Content Public Opinion Political Activism
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Israel cuts off internet in Gaza as heavy strikes hit northern GazaThe Hamas government accuses Israel of cutting off communications and internet in Gaza to perpetrate massacres with retaliatory strikes. Palestinian telecom provider Paltel confirms internet service has been cut off. Israeli military expands ground activity in Gaza.
Read more »
Israel-Gaza latest: IDF in 'direct contact' with Hamas; Hamas 'preventing foreigners from leaving Gaza'Parts of northern Gaza have been hit by intense air and artillery strikes, according to Hamas-run media after Israel released images of tanks on the enclave's west coast. The Israel Defence Forces has claimed to have struck more than 600 targets, including the area of a university.
Read more »
Israel-Gaza latest: Israeli forces push through Gaza City outskirts, Netanyahu saysBenjamin Netayahu says the Israeli Defences Forces have broken through the outskirts of Gaza City in the north of the strip. Meanwhile, the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt is reopening to allow more foreigners to leave - after around 335 left yesterday.
Read more »
Israel-Gaza latest: Israeli forces at 'height of battle' after pushing into Gaza City, Netanyahu saysBenjamin Netanyahu says the Israeli Defences Forces have broken through the outskirts of Gaza City in the north of the strip. Meanwhile, the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt is reopening to allow more foreigners to leave - after around 335 left yesterday.
Read more »