Polarization is implicated in the erosion of democracy and the progression to violence, which makes the polarization properties of large algorithmic content selection systems (recommender systems) a matter of concern for peace and security. While algorithm-driven social media does not seem to be a primary driver of polarization at the country level, it could be a useful intervention point in polarized societies. This paper examines algorithmic depolarization interventions with the goal of conflict transformation: not suppressing or eliminating conflict but moving towards more constructive conflict. Algorithmic intervention is considered at three stages: which content is available (moderation), how content is selected and personalized (ranking), and content presentation and controls (user interface). Empirical studies of online conflict suggest that the exposure diversity intervention proposed as an antidote to "filter bubbles" can be improved and can even worsen polarization under some conditions. Using civility metrics in conjunction with diversity in content selection may be more effective. However, diversity-based interventions have not been tested at scale and may not work in the diverse and dynamic contexts of real platforms. Instead, intervening in platform polarization dynamics will likely require continuous monitoring of polarization metrics, such as the widely used "feeling thermometer." These metrics can be used to evaluate product features, and potentially engineered as algorithmic objectives. It may further prove necessary to include polarization measures in the objective functions of recommender algorithms to prevent optimization processes from creating conflict as a side effect.
翻译:极化与民主的侵蚀和暴力的演变有关,这使得大规模算法内容选择系统(共通系统)的两极分化性质成为和平与安全关注的事项。虽然由算法驱动的社会媒体似乎不是国家一级两极分化的主要驱动因素,但在两极化社会中可能是有用的干预点。本文审视了以冲突转化为目标的算法脱极化干预措施:不是压制或消除冲突,而是走向更具建设性的冲突。在三个阶段,对等级的计算干预被考虑:内容(调控)、内容的选择和个性化(排名)以及内容的介绍和控制(用户界面)如何。在线冲突的实证研究表明,作为“过滤泡沫”的解药而提出的暴露多样性干预措施可以改进,甚至在某些条件下甚至可以加剧两极化。在选择内容时使用文明指标与多样性相结合,也许更为有效。然而,基于多样性的干预措施尚未在规模上进行测试,在现实平台的多样化和动态环境中可能不起作用。相反,在平台上对两极化动态动态的动态进行干涉可能需要对两极化的动态动态动态进行持续监测,而需要不断监测两极化衡量两极化指标性指标性指标,并被广泛用于评估。