Digital News Algorithms and Big Platform Responsibility

Today, online news platforms analyze users’ search histories and click patterns to deliver personalized content. However, questions arise about whether these algorithms truly provide the information users want.

The persistent exposure of specific news topics in feeds goes beyond mere inconvenience, posing the risk of platforms shaping users’ ideologies. If news associated with a particular religion or political ideology is repeatedly shown, users may naturally gravitate toward those perspectives, making it difficult to maintain a balanced view of information consumption.

A bigger issue is that such content exposure may not result from algorithmic errors but could be influenced by the platform’s policy direction. If a major platform curates news feeds to reinforce specific ideologies, it undermines information objectivity and impacts users’ ways of thinking. For instance, if content providers are predominantly Christian-affiliated, their proficiency in propaganda could severely contaminate the entire platform.

The Dangers of Imbalanced News Policies

Some news platforms exposing content that emphasizes specific religions or ideologies may compromise neutrality. If a platform overtly promotes certain religious values or political ideologies through content arrangement, it risks going beyond information provision to dangerously influencing societal consciousness.

Consider an extreme example: if a global news platform prioritizes content promoting Islam or a specific country’s political system, it could provoke strong backlash in other countries or cultural spheres. Even nations like the U.S., which champion democracy, outwardly value the free flow of information but may impose excessive exposure to ideologies reflecting their interests.

This is not merely a news feed issue but a serious problem, as big platforms hold the power to control users’ access to information.

Lack of Customer Support and Platform Irresponsibility

Addressing these issues requires features allowing users to adjust their news feeds. However, some big platform lack robust customer support systems or fail to operate mechanisms that promptly address user complaints.

For example, major IT companies like Google and Naver operate customer support centers, enabling users to voice concerns and resolve issues. In contrast, Microsoft has been criticized for lacking direct support in some services, with unclear channels for raising complaints about news algorithms.

When customer support is inadequate or absent, users have no way to address imbalances in news feeds or repetitive exposure to ideological content. Consequently, platform policies are unilaterally enforced, stripping users of control over their content consumption.

The Need for Corporate Responsibility and Change

In the digital era, the role of big platforms extends beyond providing information. They must ensure users can consume balanced information and avoid policies that excessively promote specific ideologies.

To achieve this, platform companies should enhance news algorithm transparency, expand user customization options, ensure objective content arrangement, and strengthen customer support to foster a fair information consumption environment.

In the digital information age, the responsibility of big platforms is growing. If they prioritize reinforcing specific ideologies over balanced information provision, this issue may warrant legal restrictions. 🏠