An Audit of Misinformation Filter Bubbles on YouTube: Bubble Bursting and Recent Behavior Changes скачать в хорошем качестве

An Audit of Misinformation Filter Bubbles on YouTube: Bubble Bursting and Recent Behavior Changes

RecSys 2021 An Audit of Misinformation Filter Bubbles on YouTube: Bubble Bursting and Recent Behavior Changes Authors: Matus Tomlein, Kempelen Institute of Intelligent Technologies | Branislav Pecher, Kempelen Institute of Intelligent Technologies | Jakub Simko, Kempelen Institute of Intelligent Technologies | Ivan Srba, Kempelen Institute of Intelligent Technologies | Robert Moro, Kempelen Institute of Intelligent Technologies | Elena Stefancova, Kempelen Institute of Intelligent Technologies | Michal Kompan, Kempelen Institute of Intelligent Technologies | Andrea Hrckova, Kempelen Institute of Intelligent Technologies | Juraj Podrouzek, Kempelen institute of intelligent technologies | Maria Bielikova, Kempelen Institute of Intelligent Technologies Abstract: The negative effects of misinformation filter bubbles in adaptive systems have been known to researchers for some time. Several studies investigated, most prominently on YouTube, how fast a user can get into a misinformation filter bubble simply by selecting "wrong choices" from the items offered. Yet, no studies so far have investigated what it takes to "burst the bubble", i.e., revert the bubble enclosure. We present a study in which pre-programmed agents (acting as YouTube users) delve into misinformation filter bubbles by watching misinformation promoting content (for various topics). Then, by watching misinformation debunking content, the agents try to burst the bubbles and reach more balanced recommendation mixes. We recorded the search results and recommendations, which the agents encountered, and analyzed them for the presence of misinformation. Our key finding is that bursting of a filter bubble is possible, albeit it manifests differently from topic to topic. Moreover, we also observe that filter bubbles do not truly appear in some situations. We also draw a direct comparison with a previous study. Sadly, we did not find much improvements in misinformation occurrences, despite recent pledges by YouTube. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1145/3460231.3474241