Information Diversification

Reinforcement algorithms, which drive content recommendations on most platforms today, tend to expose users primarily to information that aligns with their existing beliefs, exacerbating a tendency we exercise instinctively. This creates "Filter Bubbles", or "Echo Chambers", personalized information spaces the contents of which heavily align with our existing ideas. These phenomena limit exposure to diverse viewpoints and alternative narratives, leading people towards more extreme versions of their views, nurturing conspiracy theories, and hindering our capacity to analyze critically. These negative consequences sow societal discord and erode our shared sense of reality.

"Information Diversification is an umbrella term used to describe efforts by platforms to intentionally broaden end users' information diets. By deliberately broadening the range of information presented to users, the hope is that the platform can help break down echo chambers and reduce the reinforcement of biases. At its best, increasing information diversity cultivates a more inclusive and well-rounded online environment, fostering intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and empathy. At its worst, it is ignored or used as a substrate for ridicule and conflict between disagreeing parties.

Interventions that attempt to achieve information diversity haven't been very common because they cut against user preferences/biases, and thus against market incentives. However, this also makes them a potentially interesting place where legislation might be warranted - since interventions of these types are unlikely to arise from market forces alone.