Facebook's Algorithm Was Not What the Founders Had in Mind
The dark UX of social media algorithms is shaping online experiences more than ever, raising critical questions about the future of our profession and the integrity of our national conversations.
As a UX designer and researcher, I was struck by a recent post on The American Pamphleteer that highlights a troubling truth: algorithms—not designers—are now the primary architects of online experiences. This reality is made even starker by Facebook’s decision to eliminate fact-checking, widening the already troubling divide between free speech and responsible information-sharing. It’s a sobering reminder of the ethical challenges our profession faces in the tech sector.
Algorithms drive the content we see, amplifying divisive and emotionally charged posts to maximize engagement—because more clicks mean more profits. This isn't just bad for democracy; it’s a masterclass in dark UX. By design, these platforms manipulate user behavior, creating addictive experiences that keep us all scrolling while eroding trust in facts and one another.
As UX designers and researchers, this raises an urgent ethical question: How do we build experiences that empower users rather than exploit them? And as users, how do we navigate an online world where truth and trust are casualties of the almighty algorithm?
Dive into this conversation about the collision of design, ethics, and user experience.