284- What They Don't Want You to Know About Your Feed with Tim O'Hearn

Social media platforms operate through deceptive practices and hidden mechanics that most users never see or understand. Tim O'Hearn, a former software engineer who once ran a business selling automated Instagram followers, shares insider knowledge about the dark side of our digital landscape.

• In 2018, approximately 30% of Instagram activity was computer-generated, with bots talking to other bots
• Shadow banning allows platforms to restrict user reach without notification, keeping users engaged while effectively silencing them
• Blue checkmark verification systems evolved from impersonation protection to status symbols, creating a black market where people paid $5,000-$15,000 for verification
• Advertisers wield enormous influence over content policies, forcing platforms to implement features like hidden dislike counts on YouTube
• Bot activity continues despite platform crackdowns because the financial incentives for automated engagement remain strong
• Social media companies prioritize advertiser relationships over user experience, making decisions that serve financial interests rather than community needs
• AI-generated content further complicates the landscape, making it increasingly difficult to distinguish authentic from artificial engagement

Check out Tim O'Hearn's book "Frame: A Villain's Perspective on Social Media" to learn more about the hidden mechanics of social platforms and how to navigate them more effectively.

Check episode 254

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2308824/episodes/15954189-254-exploring-ai-in-law-enforcement-balancing-safety-ethics-and-justice

Check episode 146

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2308824/episodes/14752522-146-interview-with-the-wise-dr-ravi-y-iyer

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