What is it about?
A filter bubble is an online environment where what you see matches your existing beliefs through personalized recommendations. While usually viewed as a problem, this paper argues that filter bubbles can sometimes protect people. For instance, marginalized communities or those in countries with limited press freedom may use filter bubbles to avoid harassment or push back against propaganda. The paper reviews research on safe digital environments, defines the protective filter bubble, and poses questions for future research.
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Why is it important?
Most public discussion and research treat filter bubbles as harmful, but this overlooks potential benefits in certain contexts. Recognizing both risks and protections could help design better online environments that protect vulnerable groups.
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Rethinking the filter bubble? Developing a research agenda for the protective filter bubble, Big Data & Society, February 2024, SAGE Publications,
DOI: 10.1177/20539517241231276.
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