- Question
Is there a social media bias?
Do social media platforms systematically favour some viewpoints over others? This entry sets out the two positions on the question — that there is a social media bias, and that there is not.
Position 1 of 2
Read this position →Yes, there is a social media bias
This position holds that social media platforms systematically favour some viewpoints over others. Proponents point to opaque moderation and ranking decisions, the political and commercial interests of the companies, and the uneven enforcement of their own rules.
Position 2 of 2
Read this position →No, there is not a social media bias
This position holds that there is no systematic social media bias. Opponents of the claim argue that platforms optimise for engagement rather than politics, that rule enforcement only looks uneven because rule-breaking is, and that the evidence offered is anecdotal.