From Homophily to Polarization in Social Media

https://medium.com/@athill/we-are-all-vehicles-in-search-for-our-favorite-road-33d8e2676435
One article I read regarding the polarization of homophily mentioned some analytical techniques used in an online role playing video game which suggested that players interacted more so with players of similar age and location as in the “real world” which I found interesting because on social media, I tend to be friends with people who share many mutual friends, or are from the same state, area as me even if I had never met the person. My girlfriend who is older than me found this odd and asked why… I didn’t really have an answer besides, I am friends with a bunch of people that know them, and that we probably share the some of the same things in common. This might seem a little odd to the outside looking in, and until she mentioned something, I thought nothing of it but it is a little strange if you think about it, but just like in high school, many of my friends were friends of friends at one point and we met through a mutual friends introduction which is kind of similar to the example above, although there is no introduction.
Discuss how algorithms and cognitive biases can intensify homophily and contribute to isolation. Discuss some of the potential risks of this phenomenon in social media, with examples (such as bullying, hate speech, political extremism, or radicalization of terrorists).
I think algorithms and cognitive biases can intensify homophily and contribute to isolation by posting, commenting, or giving your own thoughts/opinions on controversial topics every time something comes up in your news feed that the majority of people may either not agree with you on, or not want to chime in because they know they its too controversial or they are the minority in agreeing with you so they stay quiet. An example might be the protests of race that have taken place around our nation more recently. If you are one that voices something supporting a race on either side, you may just put yourself in a corner of isolation because its too hot of a topic and neither side of your friends wants to chime in because they don’t want to offend, or voice support for such a hot topic out there for the world to see/judge.
Discuss some constructive steps people can take to prevent these potential risks in their use of social media. Include specific examples such as maintaining a sense of curiosity, considering alternative perspectives, fact-checking, and cultivating diversity consciousness and open-mindedness.
A constructive step people can take to prevent these potential risks in their use of social media is to be delicate when discussing hot topics like the one I mentioned above, or perhaps give a pro/con to people on both sides of the issue if you feel you must post or share something. Know that not everyone is going to agree with you and that it is your responsibility to know the facts, and be sensitive to your posts… unless you flat out don’t care, in which case you must know that you will most likely put yourself in a corner of isolation where people may not want to be associated with you and your beliefs and unfriend/unfollow you. You can get your point across, or view on something to stir curiosity without being hurtful, or disrespectful when discussing mood point conversations that are bound to have heavy supporters on either side.
Retrieved from: https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/social-media/0/steps/16055