Social Media Algorithms Weaponising Anger?
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Social Media Algorithms Weaponising Anger?

B2Upper-intermediateOctober 20, 202615 min
  • Technology

Social media algorithms have come on for sharp criticism by Assistant Productivity and Treasury Minister Andrew Leigh, who says rage-bait algorithms turn social feeds into a grievance engine, rewarding fury and division over rational debate.

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Well, the attack on Helen Haynes has again put the focus on the security of our politicians and public officials

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B2 · Upper-intermediate

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0:00

ABC Listen, podcasts, radio, news, music and more. Well, the attack on Helen Haynes has again put the focus on the security of our politicians and public officials and also on how the climate of social discourse is heating up, becoming angrier, perhaps moding of adding acts of violence in the community and many are asking what's causing it.

0:21

Indeed, the Director General of Security at ASIO, Mike Burgess, says the temperature of Australia's security environment is becoming more concerning. In the statement issued after the attack on Helen Haynes, I mentioned this earlier in the program, he expressed concern about elevated levels of grievance intolerance and polarisation that continue to create an environment of violence.

0:40

That's what he's, they were his words in Australia. Further he says the use of inflamed rhetoric directly correlates to acts of violence and that while Australians have the right to disagree acts of violence and intimidation are not okay. Well he's right about that. He says Australians need to recommit to conversing with civility and debating with respect.

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