Contents
- What is an informational bubble?
- Causes of the informational bubble
- Impact on users
- How to avoid the informational bubble?
What is an informational bubble?
An informational bubble, also known as a filter bubble, is a phenomenon where a person has access only to information that aligns with their personal views and beliefs. This term was introduced by Eli Pariser in 2011, who noted that search engines and social networks intentionally tailor search results and content to user preferences. As a result, people find themselves in a situation where they only see posts and videos that confirm their stance on various issues, including political and religious beliefs.
For example, a user interested in ecology will encounter posts about nature and animal protection, while those who do not pay attention to this are unlikely to come across such content in their feed. On one hand, this allows for receiving only the information of interest, but on the other hand, it creates a limited perspective where alternative viewpoints on events are absent.
Causes of the informational bubble
There are several main factors that contribute to the formation of informational bubbles:
- Social circle: People tend to surround themselves with those who share their views. Interaction with those who have opposing opinions is often minimized.
- Social media algorithms: News feeds are generated based on user actions, such as likes and comments. If a post generates interest, the algorithm will show similar content, creating a closed loop.
- User actions: Social media is often used as a platform for relaxation, and content that raises doubts or stress may be blocked by users, further reinforcing their beliefs.
Impact on users
The informational bubble has a significant impact on users, hindering their ability to think critically and perceive alternative opinions. People in such a bubble may ignore new ideas and avoid discussions on contentious topics, leading to narrow-mindedness and limited perception. An interesting fact: Eli Pariser conducted an experiment in which two users entered the same query into Google but received completely different results. This confirms that search engines adapt results to individual interests, thus isolating users from certain information.
How to avoid the informational bubble?
To minimize the influence of the informational bubble and avoid falling into the trap of one’s own interests, it is recommended to:
- Disable interest-based filtering in the settings of social networks and search engines;
- Broaden one’s social circle and meet people with different viewpoints;
- Verify information from various sources before drawing conclusions;
- Engage in open and non-aggressive discussions on contentious topics.