Fake news and ideological polarization: Filter bubbles and selective exposure on social media

What is it about?

The article looks at fake news and the algorithms behind social media feeds as potential sources for ideological polarization. The findings show that the personalization systems online place users in a filter bubble that decreases their likelihood of encountering ideologically diverse news content.

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Why is it important?

The discussion around polarization has gained increased attention in the face of the 2016 Presidential Election in the US and the 2016 EU Referendum in the UK. Both events have shown polarized and divided societies. What is the role of social media and digital technology in this? The paper offers relevant and thorough analysis to this growing debate around fake news, polarization and filter bubbles.