In a 60 Minutes Exclusive Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen, details the formal complaint she filed with federal law enforcement. She explains in her testimony, before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, & Transportation, that Facebook's algorithm is purposely set up to amplify hate, negativity, misinformation and political unrest. This doesn't come as a shock to anyone who periodically logs onto their Facebook feeds. The Santa Rosa County Democratic Party noticed the practice of amplification of negative social media content, during the 2016, 2018, and 2020 election cycles.
Negative Social Media Content is Favored by Facebook's Algorithm
We recognized early on that posts about Matt Gaetz would predictably gain more public engagement on the Facebook platform, while positive posts about the Democratic Party get almost no social media traction. The reality of this algorithm has limited the amount of content boosting Santa Rosa Democrats engages in. Paying for ads and post amplification, through boost, predictably draws the hateful engagement of Facebook trolls to our social media outlets.
It has become increasingly difficult to gain any traction in the social media space if your goal is to inform, inspire, and persuade followers and voters through positivity and enlightenment.
How We Fix The Facebook Algorithm
So have to be the change we want to see. If we want more thoughtful, positive, and enriching content from the Santa Rosa County Democratic Party, then our followers need to familiarize themselves with the intricacies of the Facebook algorithm. We ask that our followers like, share, and comment on all our posts — not just anti-republican posts.
Also remember that sharing a post is not social justice activism. Popping off on Facebook is not civil disobedience. Come join us! We need to lobby policymakers to break up Big Tech. We want your help to make our online communities reflective of the ideals we all hold dear.
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