What is Homophily?!
Homophily is described as the tendency of individuals to associate and bond with others whom are similar (Liu, 2013). When we think of this for social media we can see where it plays a role. While people follow celebrities, friends, family, colleagues and sometimes complete stranger but the common factor is that you like (no pun intended….maybe?) the same things. When it comes to celebrities, you (the follower) tend to follow those whose music you like, or the image they portray aligns with likes of your own. Friends are part of your social group when we look at actual interactions, which can be said for family as well. While the accounts you follow promote a message or idea that you supported creates your own community and continues to encourage the idea’s that you agree with (Liu, 2013). More can be said about Homophily here.
Algorithms ARE following you into adulthood just like your 6th grade math teacher said!
Algorithms and cognitive biases play a huge role in Homophily. When we use our social media accounts we are likely to follow those who share similar thoughts or interests. Maybe we follow friends that we have gained over life, or just that one person you knew via six degree’s of your best friend. While this allows for us to receive information that may be different than what we might believe, the act of liking, disliking or ignoring the post is all taken into account (Liu, 2013). While the things we like are pushed through these algorithms to give the most exposure to the reader, we as the consumer are only taking more and more things to promote our own thoughts. We will be suggested friends who share similar thoughts, be invited to join groups and meet up (Liu, 2013). This is all fine as we are able to surround ourselves with who we want, but what about when the content is dangerous?
Unhealthy InterWeb
An unknown area in which this can cause some unhealthy environments is when people join in on groups promoting bullying, political extremism or what is commonly known as incel’s (involuntary celibate(s)) (Wright, 2018).Let’s take a look at someone who considers themselves an incel. The common age group is guys in their twenties-thirties. What could expose someone who may be struggling with the dating scene is the algorithm that connects them to words that are used to describe themselves (Nice guy, gentleman, ect.) and words that are used to describe women (sluts, whores, ect.) (Wright, 2018). So, let’s say there is a guy who is down on his luck. He is 20, never been kissed, shy and so on. He could be frustrated because the women he is reaching out to are women who are not interested. Their excuses can range from not being interested, wanting to be alone or even because they are lesbians. All the guy hears and feels is rejection. Through algorithms and him googling “How to get a girl to like me”, he could see a blog written by someone close to his age about how women away overlook a nice guy like him and if they just gave him a chance they could see how happy they could be. Finally! Someone understands him and knows what it’s like to constantly be rejected and let down when all he wants is love. Following this blog is a thread with thousands of comments encouraging this feeling. That feeling of being alone is lifted a bit because there are other’s who understand. This can lead to an unhealthy isolation as the individual is seeking more and more into the topic which is festering with people who have detached thought processes (Wright, 2018).
Please be cautious if you are looking into this topic, it’s a very dark hole.
Leave your Cave!
Now social media, as all things is life, has its pro’s and con’s. While it can be a very helpful it can also be dangerous; again, like all things in life. The important thing to remember when using social media is to keep an open mind. I have no idea where the thought “the internet doesn’t lie” came from but good God it is wrong! The beauty of the internet is also what is part of it’s very ugly side and that’s that people can post (almost) whatever they want, say (almost) whatever they want and (ALMOST) get people to do whatever they want. Pedophiles pose as children in teen chatrooms to talk to those that meet their liking and when they convince the child to meet them, the child is greeted with the grime fact that they were lied to. When it comes to social beliefs, thoughts, politics and a number of other topics it is important to keep an open mind to what you are reading. Does it seem plausible? Is it relevant? The list goes on and on. Keeping this open mind can help with the information on is exposed to and not only give them correct information but it also allows them to make informed decision so that they can accurately develop a thought on the topic at hand (Millennials, 2010). Other options such as fact checking and being curious can help keep one well informed and even open to new ideas (Millennials, 2010).
Justine Reis
References:
Liu, D. (2013). Wired friendship among the “digital natives”: Social media use and friendship homophily selection in early adolescence
Millennials: Confident. Connected. Open to Change. (2010, February 24). Retrieved from http://www.pewsocialtrends.org/2010/02/24/millennials-confident-connected-open-to-change/
Wright, J. (2018, May 02). Why Incels Hate Women. Retrieved from https://www.harpersbazaar.com/culture/politics/a20078774/what-are-incels/