> algorithmic manipulation of emotion have led to hyper polarization.
I don't think algorithmic manipulation is really that big of a problem. Look at HN during the Reddit blackout. Tens of overemotional posts, lots of low quality pithy responses, and not an algorithm in sight. Flame wars are at least as old as Usenet itself. I think the truth is humans online, without the context of body language and the consequences of long term relationships, are just emotionally attracted to rage and strong emotions. Algorithms may exacerbate the forum but plain old upvote behavior is plenty to surface it.
Hacker news is an algorithmically influenced discussion board, the comment voting system shared by both HN and reddit influences the way people conduct themselves, and not always for the better.
that doesn't mean that voting doesn't make the problem worse. And before eternal September, the internet was nerds, the "unpopular kids". When all the normies showed up, the incentives shifted.
I don't think algorithmic manipulation is really that big of a problem. Look at HN during the Reddit blackout. Tens of overemotional posts, lots of low quality pithy responses, and not an algorithm in sight. Flame wars are at least as old as Usenet itself. I think the truth is humans online, without the context of body language and the consequences of long term relationships, are just emotionally attracted to rage and strong emotions. Algorithms may exacerbate the forum but plain old upvote behavior is plenty to surface it.