Too Much Focus On AI Has Taken The ‘Social’ Out Of Social Media

Forbes - Feb 15th, 2025

BuzzFeed CEO Jonah Peretti recently criticized social media giants TikTok and Meta for prioritizing artificial intelligence over meaningful content, suggesting that this shift has turned platforms into tools for generating negative emotions to boost user engagement. Peretti announced BuzzFeed's entry into the social media space with a platform focused on 'spreading joy' through creative expression. This move highlights growing concerns about AI's influence in shaping social media, as experts warn of the potential for algorithms to favor sensational content, impacting user interaction and engagement.

The implications of AI-driven content curation are significant, with experts like Dr. Pablo Rivas and Dr. Arthur O'Connor expressing concerns about 'surveillance capitalism' and its effect on cognitive processes. There is a call for responsible use of AI, emphasizing transparency and ethical principles to foster positive online interactions. While AI has the potential to improve social media, it requires a fundamental redesign of recommendation algorithms to prioritize productive discourse. The debate continues on the role social media companies should play in regulating AI-influenced content, balancing freedom of speech with the need for responsible platform management.

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RATING

7.2

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article provides a comprehensive overview of the complex relationship between AI and social media, drawing on credible expert opinions to highlight both the potential benefits and risks of AI technology. It effectively balances different perspectives, offering insights into the ethical and practical considerations of AI use. However, the article would benefit from greater transparency in its claims and the inclusion of empirical data to support its assertions. While the topic is timely and of significant public interest, the article's impact could be enhanced by providing more concrete examples and exploring the implications of AI-driven changes in social media. Overall, it serves as a thought-provoking piece that encourages readers to consider the broader societal implications of AI in digital communication.

Accuracy

The article presents a generally accurate depiction of the current discourse around AI's influence on social media. It includes factual claims from credible sources like Dr. Pablo Rivas and Dr. Arthur O'Connor, who provide insights into AI's role in shaping content and engagement. However, some claims, such as the assertion that AI is making social media less social, are more nuanced and require additional context or evidence for full verification. The article correctly identifies the potential for AI to spread misinformation, a widely recognized concern in the tech community. Nonetheless, some statements, like the potential for AI to 'make us dumber,' are more speculative and would benefit from empirical evidence or studies to substantiate these claims.

Balance

The article provides a balanced view by including perspectives from multiple experts who discuss both the positive and negative impacts of AI on social media. Dr. Rivas highlights the potential for AI to enhance online interactions if used thoughtfully, while Dr. O'Connor warns about its role in surveillance capitalism and cognitive offloading. This duality in perspectives offers readers a comprehensive understanding of the issue. However, the article could improve balance by including viewpoints from social media companies or AI developers to address the criticisms leveled against them.

Clarity

The article is generally clear and well-structured, with a logical flow from the introduction of the issue to the perspectives of various experts. The language used is accessible to a general audience, though some technical terms related to AI, such as 'deep neural networks' and 'reinforcement learning,' might require further explanation for readers unfamiliar with the field. The article's tone is neutral, focusing on presenting information rather than advocating a particular viewpoint, which aids in its clarity.

Source quality

The article cites credible experts from reputable academic institutions, such as Dr. Pablo Rivas from Baylor University and Dr. Arthur O'Connor from the City University of New York. These sources lend authority to the claims made about AI's impact on social media. However, the article could enhance source quality by including data or studies to support some of the more speculative claims, such as the impact of AI on cognitive skills and social behavior. Overall, the reliance on expert opinions provides a strong foundation for the article's assertions.

Transparency

The article provides a clear context for the discussion on AI and social media, referencing BuzzFeed CEO Jonah Peretti's open letter and expert opinions. However, it lacks transparency in detailing the methodology behind the experts' claims or any data supporting the assertions made. For example, while the article discusses the potential for AI to spread misinformation, it does not provide specific examples or studies illustrating this issue. Greater transparency in how these conclusions are drawn would enhance the article's credibility.