The Rise of Filter Bubbles

eldavojohn writes "Eli Pariser gave a talk at TED which posits that tailoring algorithms are creating 'filter bubbles' around each user, restricting the information that reaches you to be — unsurprisingly — only what you want to see. While you might be happy that your preferred liberal or conservative news hits you, you'll never get to see the converse. This is because Google, Facebook, newspaper sites and even Netflix filter what hits you before you get to see it. And since they give you what you want, you never see the opposing viewpoints or step outside your comfort zone. It amounts to a claim of censorship through personalization, and now that every site does it, it's becoming a problem. Pariser calls for all sites implementing these algorithms to embed in the algorithms 'some sense of public life' and also have transparency so you can understand why your Google search might look different than someone with opposing tastes." Hit the link below to watch a video of Pariser's talk.

is anybody out there?

[sgt scrub]

is this post filtered? hello? ha looow?

I'm bombarded....

[Anonymous Coward]

I'm bombarded with the opposing view constantly. Because most all of the media is biased towards the Left in this country, and any attempt to represent the majority opinions (Conservatives - just check the Battleground Poll, question D3) is met with howls of protest and ad hominem attack. I have to actively seek news and information that represents my views because none of the major services ever send it to me. This article is mostly disinformation.

Re:Definitely a serious problem

[Anonymous Coward]

Not that I care or anything, but you're wrong.

Re:commingle a problem

[jd]

Bubbles tend to be spherical, but you require something more fractal in nature.

Re:commingle a problem

[syousef]

I wish I could view Slashdot via a filter bubble that would omit or correct dupes, slashvertisements, blogspam and obvious spelling mistakes.

You can!!! Just replace slashdot.org with about:blank in your address bar.

Re:2002 called, it wants its fears back

[El_Muerte_TDS]

2002 called? Did you warn them [xkcd.com]?

Re:Derhythmed

[Anonymous Coward]

What's Bing?

Never mind, I just Googled it.

Re:Self-filter Bubble

[metacell]

You, sir, seem like a sensible and insightful fellow. Do you have a blog where I can confirm more of my... um, I mean, read more of your opinions?