Social media algorithms amplify misogynistic content to teens

Social media algorithms amplify extreme content, such as misogynistic posts, which normalises harmful ideologies for young people, finds a new report led by a UCL researcher. The research, conducted in partnership between UCL, the University of Kent and the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), found a fourfold increase in the level of misogynistic content in the "For You" page of TikTok accounts over just five days on the platform, in an algorithmic modelling study. Through interviews with young people and school leaders, the researchers also found that hateful ideologies and misogynistic tropes have moved off screens and into schools, becoming embedded in mainstream youth cultures. The report authors stress the need for a "healthy digital diet" approach to education to support young people, schools, parents and the community at large. They also say it is essential to champion the voices of young people themselves, particularly to include boys as part of discussions regarding online misogyny, and they suggest a "peer-to-peer" mentoring approach. Principal investigator Dr Kaitlyn Regehr (UCL Information Studies) said: "Algorithmic processes on TikTok and other social media sites target people's vulnerabilities - such as loneliness or feelings of loss of control - and gamify harmful content. As young people micro dose on topics like self-harm, or extremism, to them, it feels like entertainment.