Former Australian Prime Ministers Julia Gillard and Malcolm Turnbull have endorsed a campaign that seeks to give social media users greater control over the content they encounter online. The initiative, led by the group Teach Us Consent, calls on the government to implement an opt-in feature that allows users to switch algorithms on and off, thereby “Fixing our Feeds.”
In an open letter addressed to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, the group argues that current algorithms prioritize content designed to elicit strong emotional reactions, such as outrage or fear. As a result, social media feeds have become breeding grounds for extreme and misogynistic content. The letter states, “The algorithms that curate our feeds are designed to keep us scrolling,” emphasizing the need for a change to combat the spread of harmful material.
Addressing Gender-Based Violence and Mental Health
The proposed changes aim to address not only the proliferation of toxic content but also the mental health risks associated with social media. The campaign highlights how algorithm-driven platforms can exacerbate issues such as eating disorders and self-harm. “Or, it could just be a tool for people wanting to spend less time on socials,” the letter notes, indicating that the changes could benefit a broad audience.
The letter has garnered support from various public figures, including independent MPs Allegra Spender, Zali Steggall, and Helen Haines, as well as Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young and media personality Abbie Chatfield. Their collective endorsement highlights a growing concern about the impact of social media on societal norms and behavior.
Joanne Orlando, a digital wellbeing researcher at Western Sydney University, advocates for a social media experience free from algorithmic influence. She explained, “A social media feed without an algorithm would be one where you choose the content and one where things aren’t sensationalized.” This perspective aligns with the campaign’s aim to reduce exposure to harmful content while enhancing user control over their digital experiences.
The Role of Algorithms in Shaping Online Experiences
The discussion around social media algorithms has gained attention as research indicates that these systems can lead to the radicalization of young men. A 2024 study from Dublin City University found that male-identified accounts were quickly exposed to masculinist and extremist content, even without prior searches for such material. This revelation underscores the potential dangers of unchecked algorithmic influence on impressionable users.
According to last year’s report from Australia’s eSafety Commissioner, the internet provides opportunities for young men to explore identity, but it can also perpetuate dangerous stereotypes regarding masculinity. The report identified controversial influencer Andrew Tate as a significant figure within many young men’s online interactions.
The letter from Teach Us Consent also coincided with a troubling statistic: a 10 percent rise in reported sexual assaults in Australia last year, marking the highest figure on record. Turnbull emphasized the connection between disrespect and violence against women, stating, “Not all disrespect of women ends up in violence against women, but all violence against women begins with disrespecting women.”
As Australia prepares to implement a world-first social media ban for children under 16, effective December 10, 2023, the ongoing conversation about algorithm regulation has gained urgency. While Meta has begun to remove access for users under this age limit, the implications of a blanket ban have faced scrutiny.
Orlando argues that focusing on algorithm control could yield better outcomes than outright bans. “When you turn 16, you don’t miraculously learn how to handle the algorithms on social media,” she remarked, suggesting that a proactive approach to algorithm management could mitigate the issues that led to the proposed ban.
In response to inquiries about the opt-in proposal, a spokesperson for Communications Minister Anika Wells confirmed that consultations regarding the Digital Duty of Care legislation are ongoing. “We welcome submissions on ways we can make online environments safer for children,” the spokesperson stated.
The debate surrounding social media algorithms continues to unfold, with experts expressing hope that reforms can lead to a healthier online landscape for all users. The path forward remains complex, but the push for change is gaining momentum.
