Dr. Mahab Majid, a psychiatrist from Maspero, stated that humans remain in control of their relationship with media, even in the era of artificial intelligence. He emphasized that users of digital platforms are not mere victims of the content presented to them and have not lost the ability to make choices. The nature of emotional interaction with content has changed between traditional media and social media platforms.
Dr. Majid explained that the relationship with traditional media was based on gradual selection, whereas the relationship with digital media on social media platforms is similar to sliding down a slope. Users only need to take the first step, and then they find themselves emotionally immersed in the content without realizing how they got there. He highlighted that traditional media relied on the "media flooding" theory, which involves repeating a message or idea through multiple channels to form a certain conviction or change a mental image.
The psychiatrist pointed out that media flooding now occurs automatically through social media algorithms, rather than taking weeks or months. A user's interest in a specific type of content for a few seconds can lead to the appearance of at least 20 posts discussing the same topic within half an hour of phone use. This repetition of posts creates an impression on the user that everyone is talking about the same thing, whether in Egypt or globally.
Dr. Majid stressed that the issue is not about groups of automated accounts posting identical content but about how platforms and their algorithms work. The algorithms reorder and display content to users as soon as they show interest in a particular post. This can lead to a situation where a user sees multiple posts on the same topic, even if only a few accounts out of thousands they follow have discussed it.
The psychiatrist emphasized that the reordering and sequential display of posts enhance the user's feeling that the whole world is discussing the same issue, increasing their emotional arousal and excitement. He noted that this can lead users to move from surprise to familiarity, from doubt to conviction, and from questioning to believing.
Dr. Majid's statements were made during an interview with journalist Rami Radwan on the "From Maspero" program, broadcast on the Egyptian Satellite Channel. He discussed how social media algorithms manipulate users' emotions and perceptions, creating a false sense of reality. The psychiatrist's insights highlight the need for users to be aware of how algorithms influence their online experiences.
The discussion around social media algorithms and their impact on users has gained significant attention in recent years. As social media continues to play a major role in shaping public opinion and influencing individual perspectives, experts like Dr. Majid are working to raise awareness about the potential effects of these algorithms on mental health and well-being.
Key points
- Social media algorithms can manipulate users' emotions and perceptions by creating a false sense of reality through the repetition of certain topics or ideas.
