The Decline of Critical Thinking: Are Social Media Algorithms to Blame?
By Sibgha A
Being able to connect with people who share the same interests has evolved from simply a way of connecting people to how information is being processed, what opinions are formed, and even the ways people interact with each other. However, as social media becomes an essential part of daily life, there comes an alarming trend that appears on the horizon – the degeneration of critical thinking. Algorithms developed on social media to keep users engaged by feeding them items on those interests could be the center of the problem.
At its most basic, critical thinking means an ability to look objectively at information, make reasoned judgments, and question assumptions. But in a world, where algorithm-driven personalised feeds keep our screens lit and the echo chambers of social media whisper sweet nothings in our ears, do we ever really challenge our deep-held beliefs? Algorithms used by social media are neither good nor evil, instead their purpose is to maximise engagement. The way such algorithms do that is by showing users content they like, be it news articles, videos, or memes. This eventually creates a feedback loop in which we’re constantly shown more of what we’ve already agreed upon, which reinforces our existing view and limits exposure to any other perspectives.
This can be dangerous to a great extent because instead of being exposed to differing opinions and ideas for consideration, we are progressively being forced to ingest information aligned with our previously given biases. It eliminates the need for critical thinking. In fact, everything we read is merely there to affirm what we already think in these customised bubbles. Seeing ideas aligned with one’s own is warm and comforting, yet it breeds intellectual complacency.
For instance, think of political rhetoric online. A conservative will only be fed content reflecting his preferred political ideology, whereas a liberal will be fed the opposite. Even though each is consuming information, neither is very likely to find himself or herself subjected to content that challenges his or her perspective. Social media, then, is creating divergent, polarised communities that are more certain in their views but less capable of thoughtful, reasoned debate.
Social media is also just not suitable for deeper analysis. Short – literally like the character limits of Twitter or the short video format of TikTok – but complex issues are bound to be cut down to brief soundbites or headlines, which compel people to “feel” in reaction, rather than “think” discerningly. Clicking the “like” or “share” button does not help matters very much. This results in users taking things at face value without even making any effort to discern their truth or context.
It is relevant, however, to note here that social media algorithms are not solely responsible for this downturn in critical thinking. Many factors feed into this scenario, and two leading reasons are the lack of media education in schools and the rise in the velocity of information. It is also undeniable that algorithms play a very important role in curating content to be fed to users, which often priorities engagement over truth or depth. Democratisation of access to information is indeed one of the developments these platforms have spawned, but it has also made it all the easier for unfettered misinformation and shallow content to propagate.
So, how is this to be counteracted? One needs a conscious effort from users themselves to step outside their digital comfort zones. The opposite point of view: Approach information that opposes your beliefs, engage with different opinions and fact-check information are all important steps to critical thinking in the age of social media. The more important change would be that platforms have to redesign their algorithms with less intellectual stagnation and societal polarisation as necessities than engagement.
In short, although algorithms of social media have nothing to do with the downfall of critical thinking, they are playing a vital role in driving it downhill. These electronic tools for connecting with the world to improve are instead making perspectives narrow and leading to more superficial thought processes. We will have to encourage the culture of critical thinking, be vigilant, question what we see online, and drive positive movements in how information is curated for us if we are ever to break free from the algorithm-driven echo chambers that threaten to ravage our ability to think critically.
