Twitter publishes part of its algorithm
Photo: Benyamin Fanjoy/AP/NTB
Twitter has given the public access to the parts of its algorithm that control what you see on social media.
Owner Elon Musk said in an online Q&A on Saturday that he hopes to build trust through transparency by sharing the code behind what’s voted on in his “For You” news feed with each individual user.
– Sharing code openly would be embarrassing at first, but should lead to a quick increase in quality from what’s recommended.
Users can choose to view content in chronological order from those they follow or view a stream of content based on Twitter recommendations. The latter can also contain posts unrelated to anyone you follow.
The code indicates, among other things, whether the message becomes more visible – a greater chance of it appearing – if more people like, share or reply to it and whether it contains an image or link.
Experts quickly discovered that the code ensured that Musk’s own posts acted in a separate category, which his boss found odd and claimed he knew nothing about. A developer at the company says the category was created for statistical reasons and doesn’t give bosses any advantage in reaching more people.
The system also divides users into Republicans and Democrats, which is explained by the fact that they want to ensure that neither side gains or loses when the software is modified. Musk said this category should be removed immediately.
(© NTB)
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