Popping Filter Bubbles
In today’s episode, we’ll explore the phenomenon of filter bubbles and look at 10 ways to mitigate this challenge.
Paul Beckermann
PreK–12 Digital Learning Specialist
Podcast Host
About Filter Bubbles
Filter bubbles are:
- Narrowed and filtered based on user data and tendencies
- Based on complex algorithms intended to reinforce behavior and drive more traffic to a site or option, typically to increase profits
- Pulled from account profiles
- Harvested from user interactions and clicks in online spaces
10 Ways to Help Pop Filter Bubbles
- Be aware that information is being filtered.
- Intentionally seek out opposing viewpoints.
- Seek news from a variety of sources.
- Evaluate the credibility of information sources.
- Be a critical consumer of information and ideas.
- Don’t avoid the hard conversations; engage in them.
- Don’t unfriend everyone who disagrees with you.
- Use ad-blocking browser extensions.
- Use incognito browsing.
- Use search engines like DuckDuckGo that do not track your online activity.
For more information about this topic, explore the following AVID Open Access article: Pop the Filter Bubble.