Young Adult Calls for Action Against Social Media Radicalisation

A 24-year-old from Cork, Ireland, has shared his personal experience of being radicalised by social media, calling for urgent action to protect others from similar fates. Tom Barton believes that powerful algorithms targeting vulnerable individuals can have devastating effects on young minds, leading to the adoption of harmful ideologies.

Barton began using social media at the age of sixteen. Initially, he enjoyed the connections and discoveries it provided. However, over time, he became aware of the darker side of these platforms. He described how videos from controversial figures such as Ben Shapiro, Jordan Peterson, and Andrew Tate began appearing in his recommended feeds. These personalities are known for promoting divisive views, with Shapiro often linked to anti-trans rhetoric and claims that racial inequalities arise from “Black culture,” while Peterson is infamous for his opposition to the use of preferred pronouns for trans individuals.

As Barton continued to engage with the content, he found himself increasingly drawn into these ideologies. He reflected on how the algorithms, designed to maximise user engagement, inadvertently nudged him toward beliefs rooted in racism, misogyny, and transphobia. “The more I saw, the more I believed,” he admitted. This cycle of engagement led him to internalise beliefs he now finds troubling.

Understanding the Algorithmic Influence

Barton pointed out that social media platforms are adept at collecting user data, creating detailed profiles based on online activity. He never sought out content from Shapiro, Peterson, or Tate, yet the algorithms recognised that users like him were prone to engaging with such material. “It didn’t know or care that it was nudging me toward harmful ideologies,” he remarked, emphasising the responsibility of these platforms in shaping user beliefs.

The former student highlighted the urgent need for reform in how social media operates. He argued that trusting these companies to prioritise user wellbeing over profit is misguided. “It’s built to harvest attention from users and then sell that attention to advertisers,” he stated. This utilitarian approach to content curation raises significant ethical questions about the role of social media in society.

Proposed Solutions to Combat Radicalisation

Barton is optimistic about potential changes, particularly citing the role of Michael McGrath, the EU Commissioner for democracy, justice, rule of law, and consumer protection. McGrath oversees the Democracy Shield, an initiative aimed at protecting citizens from digital threats. Barton advocates for the implementation of a policy requiring recommendation algorithms to be switched off by default.

This approach would not eliminate these systems entirely; instead, it would empower users to decide whether they want to engage with algorithm-driven content. By giving users more control over their feeds, Barton believes it could mitigate the amplification of harmful ideas. “The problem with social media isn’t simply the harmful content itself; it’s the fact that harmful content gets amplified by algorithms that are designed to prioritise engagement over all else,” he explained.

However, McGrath faces significant pressure from those benefiting from the current social media model, including influential figures like former President Donald Trump. Barton highlighted that Trump has warned against regulating American companies, framing such measures as an infringement on freedom. “But what is ‘free’ about a system that hijacks the darkest parts of human psychology?” Barton questioned.

As the conversation surrounding social media regulation continues, Barton urges McGrath to prioritise the safety and wellbeing of users over corporate profits. “He can use the Democracy Shield to protect European democracy, or safeguard the profits of Mark Zuckerberg, Elon Musk, and others,” he concluded.

Tom Barton’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the potential dangers posed by social media platforms. By advocating for change, he hopes to prevent others from experiencing the same radicalisation he faced during his formative years. As the digital landscape evolves, the responsibility to ensure safer online environments becomes more pressing than ever.