Echo Chambers and Algorithmic Bias: The Homogenization of Online Culture in a Smart Society

¹ Department of Government Affairs and Administration, Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta, Indonesia, 55183
² E-Governance and Sustainability, Yogyakarta, Indonesia

^* Email: salsa.della.isip21@mail.ac.id
^** eko@umy.ac.id
^*** tiarakhairunnisa1607@gmail.com

Abstract

The rise of smart societies, characterized by extensive use of technology and data-driven algorithms, promises to improve our lives. However, this very technology presents a potential threat to the richness and diversity of online culture. This thesis explores the phenomenon of echo chambers and algorithmic bias, examining how they contribute to the homogenization of online experiences. Social media algorithms personalize content feeds, presenting users with information that reinforces their existing beliefs. This creates echo chambers, where users are isolated from diverse viewpoints. Algorithmic bias, stemming from the data used to train these algorithms, can further exacerbate this issue. The main data in this study were sourced from previous studies (secondary data) which focused on research related homogenizing on online culture. The thesis investigates the impact of echo chambers and algorithmic bias on online culture within smart societies. It explores how these factors limit exposure to a variety of ideas and perspectives, potentially leading to a homogenized online experience. By examining the interplay between echo chambers, algorithmic bias, and the homogenization of online culture in smart societies, this thesis aims to contribute to a more nuanced understanding of the impact of technology on our online experiences.