Numbers, Facts and Trends Shaping Your World
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