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YouTube uses multiple algos and signals, and yet spam still gets through. In some ways social media spamming techniques are reminiscent of the early days of the
by espeed 8y ago
YouTube uses multiple algos and signals, and yet spam still gets through. In some ways social media spamming techniques are reminiscent of the early days of the Web -- when the Web was overrun with "SEO" spam from junk sites attempting to manipulate the Google algo in the late 90s / early 00s. Google eventually solved the problem of Web and Gmail spam for the most part, but social media spam is a somewhat different beast.
HN has been having to deal with the in-authenticity problem too, maybe even moreso as of late. Solving it may require a concerted effort from all of us -- a vigilant watch by those who can see through -- those who not only take the time to flag inauthentic activity as they see it, but also educate others by calling it out and pulling back the curtain in a way that reveals its nature so more may become aware and learn to see it too. Discernment is a skill that can be learned when we are cognizant and vigilant and conscientious about paying attention.
- stcredzero 8y agoDiscernment is a skill that can be learned when we are cognizant and vigilant and conscientious about paying attention. Google, YouTube, and much of the current web is very easily manipulated by small but sizable and highly motivated fractions of the population acting together. It greatly over-represents the opinions of the extremes, particularly the voices which generate the most outrage. Fear is the mind-killer. But we never knew the extent to which this could reach until it was combined with viral outrage. (Monetized and politicized viral outrage, to be precise.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rE3j_RHkqJc https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rE3j_RHkqJc