From Division to Unity: A call for Depolarization solutions

The Warning Signs

Social media is fueling unprecedented division. Algorithms prioritize content that triggers strong reactions, often promoting extreme views over balanced ones.

Democracy is at risk globally. In countries like Myanmar and Ethiopia, online hate speech has escalated into real-world conflicts. Even established democracies like the United States face deepening divides, threatening the stability of institutions.

Social media is trapping us in engagement loops. Users spend countless hours scrolling through feeds that reinforce their existing beliefs. This constant exposure to polarized content shapes worldviews, making open dialogue more difficult.

Real-world violence is being triggered by online rage. Incidents of harassment, assaults, and even mass violence have been linked to inflammatory content shared on social media. The digital anger spills into the streets, harming communities.

The attention economy is breaking social cohesion. As platforms compete for user attention, sensationalism overrides substance. Meaningful interactions are replaced by clickbait, eroding trust and understanding among people.

The Metrics Trap

Current engagement metrics (likes, shares, comments) actively reward divisive content. Platforms optimize for "time spent" which favors outrage over understanding. The business model itself drives polarization - it's not just about algorithms anymore.

Quality conversations and constructive engagement don't show up in current metrics. We need new ways to measure and reward bridge-building between groups and thoughtful dialogue.

Why Now

AI is significantly worsening polarization. With advanced algorithms tracking our preferences, we’re fed content that reinforces our views, creating echo chambers where opposing perspectives are rarely seen.

As content becomes cheaper and easier to produce, its volume is growing exponentially, amplifying the cycle and making it harder to escape the bubble.

The year 2024 is an election year globally. Many countries are heading to the polls, increasing the risk of misinformation and division. The stakes are high, and the time to act is now.

Social platforms are struggling with solutions. Despite recognizing the problem, many platforms lack effective strategies to reduce polarization without infringing on free speech.

EU regulations aim to reduce harmful content, but the real challenge is balancing these efforts with the profit-driven nature of platforms. Lasting progress will depend on aligning business incentives with societal well-being, without stifling innovation or personal freedoms.

The Collective Action Problem

Studies show most users want less polarization, but individual users can't escape engagement loops alone. Platforms won't change without business incentive.

This creates a perfect market opportunity for coordinated solutions - technology that helps both users AND platforms' bottom line. Similar to how FinTech solved collective banking problems, could "DepolarizationTech" solve social cohesion challenges?

How to end polarization?

One way could be to start thinking about solutions that integrate with existing platforms. Adaptable solutions, allowing seamless incorporation into current social media infrastructures.

The focus must be on user experience, not censorship. Technologies should enhance interactions without restricting free expression.

Technology that reduces heat without limiting speech. The goal is to foster understanding and dialogue, not to suppress opinions.

Tools must make unity more profitable than division. Platforms should benefit financially from promoting cohesion, encouraging them to adopt depolarization technologies.

Solutions should be scalable across languages and cultures. To have a global impact, technologies must work in diverse contexts and regions.

"DepolarizationTech"?

As hatred grows - it's time for social platforms to take action to combat polarization.

There's no quick-fix to polarization but I wish to see more discussion and ideas around the topic.

Developing technology that can "depolarize" without censoring is complex. Some might say impossible..

The question is, is there money to be made in unifying the people?

Call to Action

I wish to see more entrepreneurs, designers and researchers tackling this space. Innovators with fresh ideas can drive the depolarization movement forward.

We are looking for technical solutions to social problems. Combining technological expertise with social insights is key to developing effective tools.

It’s time to take action before it’s too late. The window of opportunity is open now and the challenges are growing.

Democracy needs innovation. Protecting our democratic institutions requires new approaches and technologies.