Hacker Newsnew | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submitlogin

Does a neutral platform even exist? It seems like all the major ones have some bias in their filtering and moderation.


Can a neutral platform with algorithmic feeds exist? Self selection + optimization will result in feeds reflective of the community rather than some neutral standard.


The point of algorithmic feeds is to be the “everyplatform” and serve all biases. So in theory it’s neutral as a platform. But as we’ve seen has extremely negative results.


Well the problem at present is you have to moderate such that all content is within the Overton window. Only the left and right have different views on what does and does not fit inside this window. For example right wingers want to argue about the role of trans rights in womens sports. Much of the left and Twitter consider this to be outside of the Overton window.


You live in a society so there are always going to be cultural limits on the views you can express without social repercussions. Freedom of speech is not freedom from consequence nor does it trump other people’s freedoms not to associate with you or exercise their freedom of speech to castigate you.


My point is you can't have a neutral platform when there is a split between large groups on what is the current cultural limit. Each platform has to pick a side in that case.


I mean you absolutely can, whether anyone would want to be on it is another question. That most/many platforms do moderate content doesn't mean that they must moderate content to fit into their cultural frame of reference.




Consider applying for YC's Winter 2026 batch! Applications are open till Nov 10

Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: