This article is informed by research conducted by Ida Velthoven as part of the Erasmus Mundus Master’s program in Digital Communication Leadership (dclead.eu).

Decision-Making in the News Environment

Every day, we make decisions that shape our world. Many of these decisions are made without sufficient personal experience of the alternatives. In moments of uncertainty, various environmental factors influence our decisions. This process is particularly relevant when it comes to how we choose and consume news. Having a recommendation undoubtedly influences our decision-making process. 

The rise of recommender systems (RSs), especially AI-driven ones, has ignited public debate among individuals with varying viewpoints. These systems introduce a new, artificial, “non-human” way of influencing decisions, shaping how we interact and perceive the world. Much attention has been paid to AI and its developments in the academic world, however, at this moment in time, there is a lack of recent studies examining public perceptions of AI. It is important to consider and explore the role of shared meaning, expectations, and trust to contextualise technologies used to enhance our understanding of these emerging phenomena and their impact on society.

Understanding Public Opinion on Recommender Systems and News Consumption Matters

Public opinion on AI and RSs is often overshadowed by the rapid pace of technological advancements, with individual concerns and demands frequently overlooked. However, trust between users and information technologies is vital, especially in a society heavily dependent on technology. There is a need for more information and understanding between citizens and technology to establish trust between citizens and technologies. Without this trust, governments and the EU may face challenges in implementing valuable technological innovations, potentially stifling progress and development.

Understanding public sentiment towards AI-driven RSs can further offer valuable insights into the health of our democracy. The media plays a pivotal role in democracies by delivering timely information to citizens and fostering social cohesion. As such, it is crucial to examine how emerging technologies like RSs are shaping the news landscape and, consequently, influencing the strength and functioning of our democratic systems.

Pros and Cons Accompanied by the Advent of RSs in News Consumption

Like any innovation, the rise of RSs in news consumption brings both advantages and challenges. While RSs and the internet have transformed online journalism, new benefits are accompanied by concerns and criticisms.

On the positive side, RSs can enhance access to diverse perspectives, presenting news that might otherwise go unnoticed. RSs offer an opportunity to amplify voices and highlight issues that may have been overlooked in the era of traditional media. Moreover, although some argue that journalists have lost control over “gatekeeping,” RSs can help manage the overwhelming flow of information, making it easier for users to navigate and consume content more effectively.

On the contrary, the use of RSs by powerful platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok can limit users’ agency, undermining their self-determination in news consumption, which conflicts with democratic values. This occurs as citizens increasingly rely on algorithms to decide what news they consume, rather than making active, informed choices. It is essential to recognise that RSs and news feeds are not neutral or objective systems; they do not make decisions based on fairness, justice, or rationality.

As Abdollahpouri et al. (2021) put it: “Similar to how a chef may put together a set of items for a person that can form a balanced and diverse meal experience, the meal should also fulfil the person’s need for necessary nutrition in order to stay healthy” (p. 5).

Understanding Public Opinion

Exploring public opinion and trust in AI-based RSs for news consumption among young European adults aged 18-35, particularly regarding Instagram as a news platform, reveals several key insights. First, there is a general lack of trust in RSs on Instagram, with users feeling that they often miss important news. Additionally, many express concerns that RSs reinforce existing beliefs, potentially leading to polarisation and the creation of echo chambers. This can hinder individuals from correcting cognitive biases, resulting in the acceptance of distortions or misinformation as truth. By filtering content, RSs allow users to bypass counter-attitudinal or diverse news perspectives. On the other hand, young adults also recognize the value of Instagram and its RSs as useful tools for staying informed about ongoing news debates, offering a convenient way to stay connected with current events.

A recurring theme highlights the importance of socio-technical relationships in shaping public opinion. Discussions are held everywhere; however, certain spaces and people have more influence than others. In-person conversations, in particular, are found to have a significant impact on opinions, what gets recommended online, and vice-versa. This suggests that human interactions, which are often beyond digital tracking, play a crucial role in shaping the dynamics of technological systems. This finding indicates that technological determinism may not be as dominant as some believe. The ongoing debate around journalistic values—especially the preservation of a democratic press—remains both vibrant and deeply relevant.

Overall, it is essential to continue studying and understanding technologies and their impact on society, opinion formation, and user preferences. As these technologies evolve rapidly, they often outpace current regulations, making ongoing research and analysis crucial for adapting and ensuring responsible use.

For more information on the study, contact here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ida-velthoven/ 

Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Recommender Systems, Public Opinion, News Consumption, Journalism, Trust, Democracy

References: 

Abdollahpouri, H., Malthouse, E. C., Konstan, J. A., Mobasher, B., & Gilbert, J. (2021). Toward the next generation of news recommender systems. Companion Proceedings of the Web Conference 2021. https://doi.org/10.1145/3442442.3452327