(Parenthetically) Speaking

Thoughts & Conversations in a Changing World

Social Media Menace??

So… I’m likely discontinuing my use of FB & Twitter (for personal use) by the end of this year.

Why, you ask?  Welp, for years, I’ve noticed that technology and the strange & nefarious influences of big business are making the world sicker.

Your feed is not your feed- filled with family & friends.  Your assumption is that “your” community of folks is able to interact.  This is not entirely true. FB, Twitter, and others design your feed as it falls in line with artificial intelligence (AI) based on how much monied businesses want to push their agenda- usually for monetary gain.  That means, if you click on an ad for a cute dog accessory, these systems will log it and promote or suggest ads or stories connected with dogs.  It doesn’t end there.  This is  where it gets super-creepy.  There’s a reason our world has become more divisive & polarized over a short time.  As you “like” more cute dog pics & stories, the AI steps it up a notch-  pushing stories that intend to frame your mind around whatever folks are selling- it’s not always merchandise- it could be advocacy regarding dogs, or far- flung ideologies that involve dogs.  Note- none of this information has been fact-checked, but you don’t realize that, since the data “looks” like a news article.  Now, you didn’t start out as a crazy dog fanatic, but the types of information you’re bombarded with daily, over & over are pushing your opinions in an un-natural direction- to a place you’d never had gone if you never clicked on that first dog ad.

Eventually, you become wary of what you read in factual news, in regards to dog’s rights, since you’re consuming FB & Twitter data more & more frequently.  Remember the old Cherokee tale about the two wolves- the one you feed, wins…

Think of how AI manipulation engines  effect younger, still-pliable minds.  Anxiety & depression rates have increased over 70% since 2011 for young people.  This isn’t a quirk or nuance.  It’s intentional framing of young minds with the end result of programming chaos thinking.  Yeah, that sounds super extreme.  The truth is even scarier.  Most tech folks who work in AI don’t allow their kids to use social media until they leave home… interesting.

My daughter has consumed social media since 9th grade, much later than most kids, but still, I sense some very specific ideology in her that didn’t originate from my teaching or influence- granted, some of this may not be the fault of social media, but either way, my “Mom-sense” perked up…  I began a campaign with her by her sophomore year in HS – how to look for proof & not to believe everything you read, especially if an emotional response is the net intention.  I’m a big promoter of Critical Thinking.  Seeing all sides of a situation allows you to fight for your position in a more cohesive & effective way.  I regularly ask, “why do you feel that way?” And challenge her to back her positions up with actual facts.  Sometimes, she gets frustrated & angry at me- a clear tell that her critical thinking skills vs. the influences of AI are at war.  I try to be patient, loving, and firm.  Parents have a lot of work to do.  If I knew then (back when my daughter was 13) what I know now- I would have banned all social media until she left for college.   Instead, I would have really pushed to develop her critical thinking skills even further.  If most adults don’t understand/believe in technology manipulation, think of the firestorm of confusion happening with our kids?!

In addition to my own research, I viewed an impactful documentary on Netflix- “The Social Dilemma.”  This 90-minutes is a punch in the gut.  Definitely a wake-up call for many.

Here are some tips from the documentary that will help avoid the “rabbit hole” of AI influence:

  • Vote with your clicks- don’t click on click bait; resist emotional sabotage
  • Never view or accept “recommended” or “suggested” videos/articles, etc.
  • Replace Google with search engines that don’t store your personal data (examples: Quant, StartPage, Duck Duck, Go, etc.)
  • Remove as many notifications from apps as you can; if it may cause you to waste time, get rid of it
  • Follow people who you disagree with; get more exposed to different points of view
  • Serious restrictions for social media use for those under 18 in your home (time budget, allowed apps, remove phone/tablets/laptops from bedrooms at night, etc.)
  • Before sharing anything- fact check- do the extra work
  • If the data you just consumed feels like it was designed to push your emotional buttons- it’s probably AI manipulation.  Do more research before formulating an opinion

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Shirl

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I’m a daughter, sister, mother, and a friend.  This blog recounts my experiences, joys, pain, obstacles, & achievements.  Please feel free to comment with your own experiences & opinions- healthy discourse is welcome- keep it classy!

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