Introduction:

When you combine the influences of homophily, algorithms that feed your likes and avoid dislikes, and the natural tendency we have all have towards cognitive and social biases, the result can be living in a social media "bubble." Eventually this isolation can lead to polarization: the tendency to concentrate in polar opposites, with little room in the middle to relate to others. There is abundant evidence of polarization in the politics of many nations today, and the use of social media has the potential to significantly contribute to that polarization.

Instructions:

Divide your initial discussion blog post into three sections using bold-type section headers:

• In the first section of your blog post, briefly discuss factors that contribute to feeling connected in social media and the development of homophily. Include a hyperlink to your u03d2 discussion blog post so the reader can easily review what you stated on this topic in that blog post.
• In the second section, discuss how algorithms and cognitive biases can intensify homophily and contribute to isolation. Discuss some of the potential risks of this phenomenon in social media, with examples (such as bullying, hate speech, political extremism, or radicalization of terrorists).
• In the third section of your blog post, discuss some constructive steps people can take to prevent these potential risks in their use of social media. Include specific examples such as maintaining a sense of curiosity, considering alternative perspectives, fact-checking, and cultivating diversity consciousness and open-mindedness.

Special Instructions:

Create a 1 page essay in APA format according to the instructions above. Use 2 scholarly sources for references. Be sure to use in-text citations.