New study reveals how algorithms are fuelling ‘isolation and division’

• A new study by the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) found that online algorithms are fostering "isolation and division" among social media users.
• The research found that voters for Reform UK are most likely to see content from brands and influencers on social media over posts from friends and family.
• The study, based on a survey of 1,000 UK individuals, analysed content across platforms like Instagram, Facebook, X, Bluesky, and TikTok.
• Overall, only 18 per cent of posts seen by users were from people they knew, with 35 per cent from influencers or public figures and 29 per cent from adverts.
• The IPPR proposes a "public service model" social media platform, potentially led by the BBC, and urges the government to amend the Online Safety Act to better regulate manipulative algorithms.

IN FULL

Reform voters more likely to see ‘divisive’ social media posts than ones from family and friends, study finds