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3. Mixed views about social media companies using algorithms to find false information
Americans resist deferring to algorithms on key decisions, particularly for medical treatments
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- 3. Mixed views about social media companies using algorithms to find false information
- Mixed views about whether social media firms’ use of algorithms to find false information is a good idea or not
- About three-quarters of social media users say they have seen information flagged or labeled as false on the sites
- Seven-in-ten Americans say political viewpoints are being censored due to social media companies’ widespread use of algorithms to find false information
- Majorities in both parties say social media companies using algorithms to find false information is leading to censorship, but Republicans far more likely to say so
- Republicans more likely than Democrats to say social media companies’ widespread use of algorithms for finding false information is a bad idea for society
- Only one-in-ten adults think people have a lot of control over what they see on social media
- Majority say social media companies should use a mix of people, algorithms to decide what’s false on their sites … And about a third aren’t sure if people or algorithms do a better job
- Majorities say including people of various backgrounds is important when developing programs to detect false information on social media; those who have heard at least a little about these algorithms are particularly likely to say so
- About seven-in-ten say social media companies should prioritize accuracy over speed when using algorithms to find false information on their sites
- 51% say social media companies should play a major role in setting standards for use of algorithms to find false information; 40% say federal agencies should
- 53% say their greater concern is that government will not go far enough regulating social media companies’ use of algorithms aimed at false information
- Majorities across parties not confident in social media firms to use algorithms aimed at false information appropriately, but Republicans stand out
- Americans resist deferring to algorithms on key decisions, particularly for medical treatments
- Hispanic or Black adults more likely than White adults to favor using algorithms to make final decisions for job interviews, parole, medical treatments