A growing movement to grant Australians the ability to opt out of social media algorithms and radical content is gaining significant momentum, with support from federal politicians across the political spectrum. The campaign, spearheaded by Gen Z activist Chanel Contos, founder of Fix Our Feeds and Teach Us Consent, seeks to empower users by allowing them to disable machine-learned, biased algorithms whenever they choose.
The Push for Algorithmic Choice
Chanel Contos is advocating for the government to compel major technology companies to implement an opt-in system for algorithms and data sharing. "In order to address that, we are asking the government to make it so that social media companies have to give us the choice to opt in to having an algorithm and sharing our data," Ms Contos explained. She emphasised the desire for flexibility, suggesting users could toggle algorithms off on weekends or specific platforms at any time.
The Fix Our Feeds initiative specifically targets online misogyny and the conditioning of young men, who are exposed to radicalised content approximately every 23 minutes online, irrespective of their account preferences. "We want to be able to turn that feature on and off, any time, for any reason," she added, highlighting the campaign's user-centric approach.
Technological Feasibility and Industry Response
Despite meetings with all major social media platforms, none have shown enthusiasm for adopting the opt-out method, though some have been receptive to concerns. Ms Contos asserted that the technology is entirely feasible, noting, "It is absolutely technologically possible. We are essentially asking companies to revert back to how social media used to be, so it's a more basic software development system."
A petition supporting Fix Our Feeds has garnered nearly 8000 signatures, with endorsements from Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young and independents Allegra Spender, Monique Ryan, Nicolette Boele, and Zali Steggall. "We have had support across the political spectrum and we have been speaking to the Federal government. They have been open to having conversations with us about Fix Our Feeds and are interested to know more. We are yet to receive a concrete commitment from them," Ms Contos reported.
Political and Academic Backing
Independent MP Monique Ryan, who signed the petition, expressed concern about algorithms pushing harmful content. "They push misogynistic messages onto young men and boys, and distort body image for boys and girls," Dr Ryan stated. She further warned about the lack of user control, saying, "The trend that concerns me most is how powerful and poorly understood these systems have become. Users have no control, no visibility, and no ability to push back on what the algorithms decide their world should look like."
Professor Jenny L. Davis, a sociology expert at Vanderbilt University and the Australian National University, elaborated on the sophisticated nature of these algorithms. She explained that social media companies use machine-learning to track online movements, compare demographics, and create complex algorithms that often operate beyond their creators' initial understanding. "The further you engage with that content, the more it will refine not only what you receive, but also what people like you receive," Professor Davis noted.
Broader Implications and Challenges
Professor Davis pointed out that ideological silos are intensifying due to powerful AI-driven algorithms and increased political polarisation. Ms Contos linked these silos to a 10 per cent rise in sexual violence across Australia last year, attributing it to the radicalisation of young men.
Additionally, the issue of bot content complicates the landscape. Ms Contos estimated that about 5 per cent of social media accounts are bot-operated, generating a disproportionate amount of content. "It is interesting because we rely on social media companies for that information," she remarked. She proposed that reverting to a chronological feed of followed accounts could mitigate exposure to radical AI-generated content, as users are less likely to follow bots.
Expanding Support and Lessons Learned
While Fix Our Feeds began with a focus on online misogyny, it has attracted support from trauma survivors, individuals with eating disorders, teachers, and parents affected by isolating algorithms. Ms Contos also reflected on the recent under-16s social media ban, suggesting it demonstrates that big tech is not an "insurmountable" industry, offering hope for regulatory changes.
This campaign underscores a critical shift towards greater user autonomy in the digital age, challenging the dominance of opaque algorithms in shaping online experiences.
