Creators hijack recommendation algorithms to expose radicalized users to rebuttals

Evidence

But then he stumbled upon a lighter-touch YouTube channel called ContraPoints, run by transgender influencer Natalie Wynn (known as the ‘Oscar Wilde’ of YouTube). Her approach is unique insofar as she creates animated and entertaining videos on the very same topics as far-right influencers specifically in an effort to debunk their claims, blow by blow. This practice is often referred to as ‘algorithmic hijacking’ because, by talking about the same topics, influencers enable their videos to be recommended to those who consume far-right material (and vice versa). — Sander van der Linden, Foolproof, 385

Categorization

• DEFINE: Defines ‘algorithmic hijacking’ — a coined tactic in the attention economy.
• SEED: Latent article: mischievous or adversarial uses of recommendation systems — hijacking, seeding, poisoning, and whether counter-speech via algorithms actually deradicalizes.
• XREF: connects to: Automated recommendation feeds can expose teenagers to thousands of radicalizing videos — Sander van der Linden, Foolproof: Why Misinformation Infects…, 381; Radicalization stories overstate the causal role of recommendation algorithms — Sander van der Linden, Foolproof: Why Misinformation Infects…, 387; Algorithmic content filtering can funnel users toward polarization and extremism — Sander van der Linden, Foolproof: Why Misinformation Infects…, 476 (+3 more)

Broader Connections

• Radicalization stories overstate the causal role of recommendation algorithms #contradicts (0.85) — Sander van der Linden, Foolproof, 387
• Algorithmic-radicalization narratives may overstate causation since most frustrated users stay moderate #contradicts (0.82) — Sander van der Linden, Foolproof, 387
• Algorithmic content filtering can funnel users toward polarization and extremism #qualifies (0.80) — Sander van der Linden, Foolproof, 476