¿Cómo cruzar la frontera de tu algoritmo? | Desireé Gutiérrez | TEDxMorelia

Quick Overview

The speaker, Desireé Gutiérrez, argues that algorithms, often perceived as neutral tools, actually amplify and perpetuate existing societal divisions and prejudices, such as those related to nationality, ideology, and identity, by reinforcing what users already engage with, rather than challenging them, which she experienced personally when a video about the Rohingya genocide was used to promote hate speech and dehumanization against them.

Key Points: The speaker contends that algorithms in social media are not neutral but actively reinforce existing societal divisions, including nationality and ideology, by showing users content they already engage with. The speaker experienced this when a video about the Rohingya genocide (where over 10,000 were killed or disappeared since 2017) was used to propagate hate speech against the Rohingya community on social media. The speaker committed to not letting this experience—where the algorithm amplified violence and dehumanization—become an excuse to stop using social media platforms for her advocacy. She criticizes the current state where algorithms promote content that confirms users' biases, making it difficult to encounter opposing viewpoints or new ideas. The speaker urges listeners to have the courage to confront their own ingrained beliefs and the urge to attack those who think differently, rather than letting algorithms dictate what they see. The core challenge is to stop using the algorithm as an excuse to avoid engaging with ideas and people whose perspectives differ from one's own, particularly regarding complex issues like political ideologies or border conflicts.

Context: Desireé Gutiérrez delivers a TEDxMorelia talk addressing the dangers of algorithmic echo chambers, particularly how they amplify hate speech and prejudice. She recounts a personal incident where an algorithm promoted dehumanizing content against the Rohingya people, despite the original video being about their suffering, leading her to commit to navigating social media more consciously to counter such harmful reinforcement.