Thread

1. Buttons840 · 1790132383 · focus · HN ↗

   What is an "algorithm"? Showing the 20 most recent posts is an algorithm, but I doubt that's what they're targeting with the law.

   I'm not just trying to find a technical gotcha here. I think it's worth identifying what exactly about an "algorithm" causes it to cross the line and become harmful.

   When does an algorithm become harmful?

   When it is designed and optimized to maximize the amount of time it engages the user?

   What about an algorithm that was optimized the present the user with content they would find interesting? That doesn't sound so bad on the surface.

   What about an algorithm that maximizes the amount of ads people see? Or the amount of money that the company makes?

   1. aetherspawn · 1790132812 · focus · HN ↗

      Yes.

      Most Australians dislike social media. We are underrepresented on it, and it shovels the US’s issues down our throat. The current algorithms mainly send us US political propaganda and things that are supposed to make us hate nearby Asian powers like China.

      1. consensus1 · 1790138961 · focus · HN ↗

         Then why don't you get off it? Social media is not capable of shoveling anything down anyones throat.

         1. t0mpr1c3 · 1790143457 · focus · HN ↗

            > Social media is not capable of shoveling anything down anyones throat.

            This statement is manifestly untrue. The malign power of social media is precisely the reason that legislation has been introduced in Australia and elsewhere, and that Meta et al are battling and losing "addiction" lawsuits worldwide.

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