From Straight Arrow · · 1m 20s
Brazil election lesson shields from Election Day ragebait
Brazil’s election strategy shows how to avoid algorithmic ragebait on Election Day.
In brief
Brazil’s election strategy shows how to avoid algorithmic ragebait on Election Day. Brazil’s election campaign taught users to ignore far-right content to prevent algorithmic amplification of divisive posts. Originally reported by Straight Arrow.
Brazil election lesson
Brazil’s recent election showed how to shield users from algorithmic ragebait on Election Day.
“Don’t feed the algorithm”
Lula’s social media strategy
Lula won a historic fourth term using a 10-million-strong WhatsApp channel to coordinate supporters’ online behavior.
“Do not engage with any far-right or fascist content, whatsoever”
Algorithmic engagement
Social media boosts content based on view time and engagement, not replies or comments.
“Your algorithm is an opp”
Meta’s election controversy
Meta faced court orders to treat candidates equally after suppressing Lula supporters’ content.
“Do not share any fake news”
Boredom as political tool
Lula’s supporters showed algorithm they weren’t interested in opponent’s messages to demonstrate boredom’s power.
“Do not engage with any far-right or fascist content, whatsoever”
Stanford research
Stanford found X discovery feeds push provocative content over users’ stated values.
“Your algorithm is an opp”
Gray rock strategy
Activists use lack of attention to suffocate anti-democracy content without correcting it.
“Don’t correct it. Down vote it. Don’t engage with it. Suffocate it with your lack of attention”
Election day risk
U.S. political content faces risks from foreign bots and paid influencers during elections.
“Do not engage with any far-right or fascist content, whatsoever”
Lula’s campaign tactic
Lula’s campaign used coordinated behavior to shift what algorithms surface to broader audiences.
“Do not engage with any far-right or fascist content, whatsoever”
Algorithmic lesson
Ignoring divisive content prevents algorithmic amplification of election day ragebait.
“Don’t feed the algorithm”
What to remember
Brazil’s election campaign taught users to ignore far-right content to prevent algorithmic amplification of divisive posts.
