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TikTok is an app based on algorithms and how long you interact with specific content. The app is endless scrolling and never stops. If you keep interacting with content, TikTok won't stop you. This is how TikTok creates echo chambers. Let's take sports for an example. If your favorite player is LeBron James and you consistently like and watch positive videos of LeBron, pretty soon your whole feed becomes only him and how awesome he is. Since you don't engage with any negative content about him, TikTok keeps feeding you what you want to see so you stay on their app longer. In a more recent update, TikTok added a search bar above the comment section as shown above. This allows users to go into a deep dive on something without even having to click off their For You Page or off the current video they were watching. TikTok can become a dangerous app when it's used for facts and a source of news as it can be continually feeding that echo chamber without knowing what is true or false.

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Facebook has a feature on their app where tribalism and echo chambers can flourish. This is on their groups tab. Facebook groups are usually collectives of people that have the same interest, same views, want advice or help, or just want a common space to post and share with others that are not your regular friends. While this seems harmless, that is not always the case. In the world of politics on the app, Trump supporters can all be in one group and share their opinions and feelings with one another. As we have seen, this can become very clique like and not have opposing side of views. Some Facebook groups may even be private and have requirements before joining like need to be a certain age, look a specific way, or hold this viewpoint. These requirements make the group feel even more tight knit and exclusive from others.

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Sadly, I have fallen victim to echo chambers and tribalism. While I believe its not in a bad way, it is definitely evident I am shown content on my home screen that would catch my eye to watch. In the picture shown above, I watch several videos from a YouTuber More Cel, even though I do not follow him. I have previously watched his videos and based off my previous engagement, YouTube keeps feeding my his videos. Even farther down in my watch history is videos of my favorite golf channel. Every time I watch their video, tons of golf videos come up in my suggested to watch next. It becomes easy to go down the rabbit holt of watching golf related content all because I started watching one video. Looking at my watch history made me realize how much it reflects who I am. I like watching funny golf challenge videos because I enjoy golfing with my own friends. I watch sneaker selling videos because I have my own sneaker collection and I occasionally sell my own shoes. I watch funny react videos because I like laughing at their reactions. I could not find a video in my watch history that I saw that I genuinely disliked or had no interest in. It just shows that I am constantly watching content I prefer. Whether it's because I ultimately decide to not watch videos I would not wnat to engage with, or if its on YouTube for not giving me something outside of my comfort zone to watch. While I think there are more dangerous echo chambers and tribes to be apart of than the ones I am a part of, I definitely still fall victim to this ongoing issue on social media platforms.

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Online echo chambers and tribal communities are reinforced by a combination of algorithms, content, and social dynamics. On platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter, algorithms give preference to content that matches a user's past actions. These platforms do this by displaying more of the things that the user has already found enjoyable or based off how often they engage with a specific type of content. This produces a feedback cycle that strengthens ideological bubbles and slowly stops putting out content that the user may not like . Social factors that promote conformity and inhibit free speech include group identity, affirmation through likes and retweets, and fear of backlash for opposing viewpoints. Tribalism is encouraged in these apps as users bond around common ideals and view those who do not agree with them as the problem. Users can use this space for positive reinforcement of their beliefs, but also use it as a divide from those who may have a different viewpoint. Sometimes this difference causes major hostility and can even end in harassment/bullying. Platforms could reduce these results by encouraging engagement with all content and how to approppriately disagree with someone else. If social media apps began letting users know how to communicate in a respectful way, it could benefit users who might be quick to respond in hurtful ways. I understand how difficult it is to get rid of echo chambers and tribalism on social media because its where they earn their money. The more time you spend on their app, the better.