Filter Bubble
This reading response argues that Pariser’s theory of the filter bubble is flawed because it fails to explain a wide range of political reality. First, this reading response summarizes Pariser’s theory of the “filter bubble”. Next, this reading response debates that Pariser’s theory of the “filter bubble” is incorrect because it too broadly describes political reality. Then, this reading response justifies that Pariser’s theory of the “filter bubble” explains a small portion of politics in the media. Ultimately, this reading response concludes that Pariser’s theory is too ambiguous.
Summary of Pariser’s Theory of the Filter Bubble The filter bubble theory is the idea that there are personalized search engines that selectively gives information
to users based on things they already agree on. Pariser describes it as “your own personal, unique universe of information that you live in online”. Pariser’s main argument is that “you couldn't have a functioning democracy if citizens don’t get a good flow of information”. In addition, Pariser’s theory also describes the filter bubble as a filter that gives useless information that users “don’t need to see”. In the TED Talk, Pariser provides an example of two of his friends that Googled “Egypt” and received different results from their search. Pariser describes this as companies on the web “personalizing” users web searches in various ways.
Weaknesses of Pariser’s Theory of the Filter Bubble The filter bubble fails to explain…
Positives of Pariser’s Theory of the Filter Bubble
Nonetheless, the theory of the filter bubble does explain a psychological phenomenon known as “confirmation bias” among citizens. When citizens constantly see information that they agree with in their filter bubble, they have a tendency to interpret the information in a way that confirms their beliefs or hypotheses, while giving disproportionately less consideration to alternative possibilities. As discussed in class, this relates to politics within the borders of the United States because citizens begin to ignore political opinions that challenge their notions. Pariser’s theory is correct in that citizens need to see other points of view, besides the ones presented in their limited filter bubble. However, if not they do not, it does not mean our democracy is failing.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the filter bubble, although a good theory, is far too ambiguous to conclude that it directly results in a malfunctioning society.
Summary of Pariser’s Theory of the Filter Bubble The filter bubble theory is the idea that there are personalized search engines that selectively gives information
to users based on things they already agree on. Pariser describes it as “your own personal, unique universe of information that you live in online”. Pariser’s main argument is that “you couldn't have a functioning democracy if citizens don’t get a good flow of information”. In addition, Pariser’s theory also describes the filter bubble as a filter that gives useless information that users “don’t need to see”. In the TED Talk, Pariser provides an example of two of his friends that Googled “Egypt” and received different results from their search. Pariser describes this as companies on the web “personalizing” users web searches in various ways.
Weaknesses of Pariser’s Theory of the Filter Bubble The filter bubble fails to explain…
Positives of Pariser’s Theory of the Filter Bubble
Nonetheless, the theory of the filter bubble does explain a psychological phenomenon known as “confirmation bias” among citizens. When citizens constantly see information that they agree with in their filter bubble, they have a tendency to interpret the information in a way that confirms their beliefs or hypotheses, while giving disproportionately less consideration to alternative possibilities. As discussed in class, this relates to politics within the borders of the United States because citizens begin to ignore political opinions that challenge their notions. Pariser’s theory is correct in that citizens need to see other points of view, besides the ones presented in their limited filter bubble. However, if not they do not, it does not mean our democracy is failing.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the filter bubble, although a good theory, is far too ambiguous to conclude that it directly results in a malfunctioning society.