Wiser! Essay: Facebook's algorithms were meant to "down rank" misinformation to stop it from spreading. Instead, the AI did the opposite. And promoted harmful content by as much as 30%. It took Facebook engineers 6 months to fix it!
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When Facebook's "DownRanking" Algorithm Didn't Work
BackStory: Repeat misinformation offenders saw their views spike by as much as 30% due to a flaw in the Facebook algorithms
The Verge has reported that Facebook engineers identified a fault in an AI system called "downranking".
Downranking does exactly what it says on the tin! Downranking is when repeat fake news offenders, as flagged by Facebook's army of content moderators when it comes to posting harmful content, are slowed down and suppressed.
But instead, the Facebook algorithms accelerated their posts in the News Feed. By as much as 30% according to a statement to The Verge from Facebook.
One In 3 Internet Users Fail to Question Misinformation
According to the latest data from the UK regulator, Ofcom, 1 in 3 Internet users fail to question online content.
