How Social Media and Algorithms Influence Political Opinions Today

The political views that are formed on social media platforms are also highly influenced by the highly advanced algorithms that control the content that social media users get. Such algorithms focus on the content that is likely to interest a person and this can lead to the formation of echo chambers in which users are exposed to ideas that are very close to their personal beliefs. This will make the political polarization even stronger as there will be less exposure to the alternative views. Moreover, targeted political advertisement uses the data of the user to send a personal message, which shapes the attitude and the behavior of voters. Extreme viewpoints can be enhanced by social media influencers and partisan groups, further separating the opinion of the population. On the one hand, these algorithms increase engagement, but on the other hand, they weaken the democratic discourse because it encourages sensational or emotionally loaded information rather than balanced information. With the growing concern, the researchers stress transparency and regulation in algorithm design as the means of reducing misinformation and creating a healthier political climate. In the end, social media and algorithms are strong trends that determine the way citizens develop their political opinions, and they require attention to the effect they have on democracy and the discourse.