The algorithm is optimized for emotional potency that leads to increased engagement. Outrage is just one of the more monetizable emotions the algorithm is good

The algorithm is optimized for emotional potency that leads to increased engagement. Outrage is just one of the more monetizable emotions the algorithm is good at. Consider also schadenfreude, in-group signaling, etc. All of these loom large on Facebook. Compared to traditional consolidated media companies, Facebook does have the potential to be a better medium for “speech”. But censorship is inevitable when advertising looms so large on the platform, so inevitably many forms of speech will be suppressed, leaving only the stuff that is the most establishment friendly. Note that Hillary Clinton just made a statement accusing Tulsi Gabbard of being funded by Russia. A logical next step would be for Facebook to pull ads that are in favor of Gabbard. In essence, major party views are intrinsically conservative and uncontroversial. What are Gabbard’s fringe views? She opposes some of the military/warmaking that Hillary made her career supporting.