S2E550 - Why Everyone Seems to Live in a Different Reality Online

Online platforms shape what people see in ways that are often invisible. Instead of everyone receiving the same information, digital systems learn from clicks, likes, watch time, and searches to decide what content appears next. Over time, these personalized streams become increasingly tailored to each individual. This video explores how recommendation systems quietly construct unique information environments for every user and how those environments can influence opinions, beliefs, and perceptions of the world.

As people interact with content that aligns with their interests, platforms tend to deliver more of the same type of material. This process can...