this post was submitted on 17 Aug 2023
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Any basic "you may like this" algorithm can produce those results.
That is legitimately a problem.
For some reason, YouTube's algorithm heavily favors extremist content if you show even a casual interest in related material.
It's probably as simple as "shocking content gets more clicks", but still, it's not good for our society to have entertainment platforms recommending extremist views.
In the old days, you'd have to seek out this kind of fringe content on your own. And you'd get pushback from your community if you started talking nonsense.
Nowadays, my aunt is getting blasted with reptilian democrat stuff after showing an interest in typical conservative lady content years ago. And there is not much of a community left to help her out. The algorithms just amplify all the worst shit.
Oh you watch WWII videos because you like hearing about how liberal democracy stomped fascism with superior tactics, weapons and intelligence?
Here's some videos by actual fascists! Women are the patriarchy!
Oh you like videos about Cold War Russia and espionage?
How about this video about why Ukraine is run by Jewish paedophile Nazis?