AI and Confirmation Bias: Time to Break Free from Echo Chambers
Samantha Sheekey (Interdepartmental Major: Public Policy and Psychology ‘25)
A look at artificial intelligence in the age of social media.
In today’s social media age with artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms calling the shots, confirmation bias is seriously messing with how we view the world. I’m here to tell you that it’s time we take action to escape these echo chambers and build a more informed and unbiased society. Why does it matter? Because we need to make well-rounded decisions and encourage healthy debates on crucial issues.
More and more people are turning to TikTok, Twitter, and the like for info, however, that means we’re at a higher risk of bumping into biased information that only shows one side of the story. These sneaky AI algorithms, made to keep us glued to our screens, just keep feeding us information we already agree with. This not only shrinks our worldview but also drives us apart, making it harder to have those important conversations and really understand each other. So, let’s be mindful of where we get our info and aim to broaden our horizons.
TikTok, specifically, is known to be a platform that contributes highly to echo chambers. Viewers on the platform are not getting exposed to differing perceives and ideas because of the algorithm. To make matters worse, TikTok’s whole system for sharing videos is all about likes, comments, and shares. So, if you’re already into certain things, you’re more likely to see videos that are similar. And, the more you see those kinds of videos, the more you’ll believe in them. It’s as if you’re in a bubble that just keeps getting smaller and smaller. That’s not ideal because it can lead to polarization, where different groups just can’t seem to understand each other. And, when that happens, communication gets difficult.
We’re all part of a highly connected world, and it’s time we face the facts: AI-powered algorithms are pulling the strings of our online lives. So, what do we do about it? It is important we take charge of our own learning and growth. But here’s the catch — we can’t just rely on social media to feed us the truth. These platforms have their limits, and they’re not always working in our best interest. So, it’s time we step up our game and seek out a variety of info sources to break free from our own biases. Trust me, we’ll be better off for it!
First off, we must admit that AI algorithms play a huge part in creating echo chambers where we only hear what we want. If we understand how these AIs work, we can be smarter about the information we watch and share. To break the cycle, let’s look for different viewpoints, talk with people who think differently, and always question where our info’s coming from. It’s also important to think critically and empathetically online. Reflect on your own beliefs, respect others’ opinions, and keep an open mind to make the digital world a friendlier place.
Education plays a crucial role in addressing confirmation bias. Schools and colleges should teach media literacy and critical thinking so the next generation can handle the online world like pros. If we show students how to evaluate sources, spot biases, and have respectful convos, we’re setting up a future where everyone’s more informed and less biased.
Let’s not forget that social media platforms got to step up too! They need to take responsibility for their part in spreading confirmation bias. How about tweaking those algorithms to give us a more balanced mix of content? And being transparent about how they choose and promote posts? That would let us know what’s really shaping our online world.
In addition to social media, governments and regulators should enforce policies that make sure AI algorithms are transparent, accountable, and fair. By making social media platforms follow ethical guidelines, we can tackle confirmation bias and make the digital landscape way more equitable.
Breaking out of echo chambers isn’t just one person’s job — it’s on all of us. We need individuals, schools, social media companies, and governments to work together to boost critical thinking, empathy, and diversity online. If we take these steps, we can fight confirmation bias, create an inclusive digital space, and make smarter choices as a society. Thus, it is essential that we liberate ourselves from these echo chambers and embrace a world filled with diverse perspectives.
Samantha Sheekey (‘25) is from New York City and is a Public Policy Undergraduate at Duke University’s Sanford School of Public Policy. This piece was submitted as an op-ed in the Spring ’23 PUBPOL 301 course. This content does not represent the official or unofficial views of the Sanford School, Polis, Duke University, or any entity or individual other than the author.
