Amazon’s search algorithm spreads vaccine disinformation, study finds
University of Washington researchers called the platform “a marketplace of multifaceted health misinformation”
An echo chamber effect
The researchers also examined whether Amazon pushes users to more misinformation after they’ve shown an interest in it.
They did this by performing typical user actions, such as clicking on an item.
They said this revealed evidence of a filter-bubble effect in Amazon’s recommendations:
The study authors describe this process as ” a problematic recommendation loop.”
The researchers suggest several ways that Amazon can tackle the problem: display informative links alongside the product listings, introduce bias indicators, and modify its algorithms and policies to stop promoting misinformative books.
“There is an urgent need for the platform to treat vaccine and other health-related topics differently and ensure high-quality searches and recommendations,” they said.
You can readtheir full study paperhere.
Story byThomas Macaulay
Thomas is a senior reporter at TNW. He covers European tech, with a focus on AI, cybersecurity, and government policy.Thomas is a senior reporter at TNW. He covers European tech, with a focus on AI, cybersecurity, and government policy.
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