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Facebook is Launching a New Investigation into Potential Algorithmic Bias in its Systems

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facebook is launching a new investigation into potential algorithmic bias in its systems

Facebook is launching a new investigation into potential bias within its algorithms, as it works to improve its systems in response to the #BlackLivesMatter movement, and in light of its recent civil rights audit.

As reported by The Wall Street Journal, both Facebook and Instagram will launch new examinations of their core algorithms.

As per WSJ:

“The newly formed “equity and inclusion team” at Instagram will examine how Black, Hispanic and other minority users in the U.S. are affected by the company’s algorithms, including its machine-learning systems, and how those effects compare with white users, according to people familiar with the matter.”

Facebook will establish a similar team for its main app.

As noted, the move comes in response to the rising calls for improved representation on all levels, after the recent #BlackLivesMatter protests, while Facebook’s own civil rights audit, conducted over two years, and published earlier this month, found various concerns with the platform’s systems, including the potential for algorithmic bias.

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As per the report:

“Because algorithms work behind the scenes, poorly designed, biased, or discriminatory algorithms can silently create disparities that go undetected for a long time unless systems are in place to assess them.” 

Facebook’s algorithms have inadvertently facilitated discriminatory processes in the past. Back in 2016, a report from ProPublica showed that it was possible to use Facebook’s ‘ethnic affinities’ demographic segmentation to eliminate specific racial groups from your ad reach, which is in violation of federal laws.

Facebook ethnic affinity

Facebook subsequently suspended the ability to target ads by excluding racial groups, yet, at the time, Facebook also noted that many ad targeting options like this were being built by Facebook’s machine learning systems, based on usage trends. As such, they were more a result of the algorithm providing options based on the available data, as opposed to Facebook deliberately facilitating such.

Facebook eventually removed all potentially discriminatory targeting options for housing, employment or credit ads last year. But even then, experts noted that any algorithmically defined system remains susceptible to inherent bias, based on the input data set.

As per Pauline Kim, a professor of employment law at Washington University:

“It’s within the realm of possibility, depending on how the algorithm is constructed, that you could end up serving ads, inadvertently, to biased audiences.”

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That’s because the system is reading the data as it’s input.

As a basic illustration, if your company hires more white people, there’s a chance that an algorithm, looking to display your job ads to candidates, would only serve your job ads only to white users, based on the data it has available.

Essentially, the concern is that any algorithm based on real-world data will always reflect current-world biases, and Facebook won’t be able to detect such within its processes without conducting a full examination of its systems.

This is a significant concern, and it’s good to see Facebook looking to address such, particularly given that it was a key focus of the recent civil rights audit. 

If Facebook can improve its systems, and weed out algorithmic bias, that could go a long way to improving equality, while the lessons learned may also help other platforms address the same in their own systems.  

The move may also help Facebook repair relations with civil rights groups, who have lead a boycott of Facebook ads in July over the company’s refusal to address hate speech posted to the network by US President Donald Trump.

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There’s a long way to go on this front, but addressing key elements like this could help Facebook show that it’s taking its responsibilities seriously in this respect.

Socialmediatoday.com

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Snapchat Explores New Messaging Retention Feature: A Game-Changer or Risky Move?

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Snapchat Explores New Messaging Retention Feature: A Game-Changer or Risky Move?

In a recent announcement, Snapchat revealed a groundbreaking update that challenges its traditional design ethos. The platform is experimenting with an option that allows users to defy the 24-hour auto-delete rule, a feature synonymous with Snapchat’s ephemeral messaging model.

The proposed change aims to introduce a “Never delete” option in messaging retention settings, aligning Snapchat more closely with conventional messaging apps. While this move may blur Snapchat’s distinctive selling point, Snap appears convinced of its necessity.

According to Snap, the decision stems from user feedback and a commitment to innovation based on user needs. The company aims to provide greater flexibility and control over conversations, catering to the preferences of its community.

Currently undergoing trials in select markets, the new feature empowers users to adjust retention settings on a conversation-by-conversation basis. Flexibility remains paramount, with participants able to modify settings within chats and receive in-chat notifications to ensure transparency.

Snapchat underscores that the default auto-delete feature will persist, reinforcing its design philosophy centered on ephemerality. However, with the app gaining traction as a primary messaging platform, the option offers users a means to preserve longer chat histories.

The update marks a pivotal moment for Snapchat, renowned for its disappearing message premise, especially popular among younger demographics. Retaining this focus has been pivotal to Snapchat’s identity, but the shift suggests a broader strategy aimed at diversifying its user base.

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This strategy may appeal particularly to older demographics, potentially extending Snapchat’s relevance as users age. By emulating features of conventional messaging platforms, Snapchat seeks to enhance its appeal and broaden its reach.

Yet, the introduction of message retention poses questions about Snapchat’s uniqueness. While addressing user demands, the risk of diluting Snapchat’s distinctiveness looms large.

As Snapchat ventures into uncharted territory, the outcome of this experiment remains uncertain. Will message retention propel Snapchat to new heights, or will it compromise the platform’s uniqueness?

Only time will tell.

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Catering to specific audience boosts your business, says accountant turned coach

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Catering to specific audience boosts your business, says accountant turned coach

While it is tempting to try to appeal to a broad audience, the founder of alcohol-free coaching service Just the Tonic, Sandra Parker, believes the best thing you can do for your business is focus on your niche. Here’s how she did just that.

When running a business, reaching out to as many clients as possible can be tempting. But it also risks making your marketing “too generic,” warns Sandra Parker, the founder of Just The Tonic Coaching.

“From the very start of my business, I knew exactly who I could help and who I couldn’t,” Parker told My Biggest Lessons.

Parker struggled with alcohol dependence as a young professional. Today, her business targets high-achieving individuals who face challenges similar to those she had early in her career.

“I understand their frustrations, I understand their fears, and I understand their coping mechanisms and the stories they’re telling themselves,” Parker said. “Because of that, I’m able to market very effectively, to speak in a language that they understand, and am able to reach them.” 

“I believe that it’s really important that you know exactly who your customer or your client is, and you target them, and you resist the temptation to make your marketing too generic to try and reach everyone,” she explained.

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“If you speak specifically to your target clients, you will reach them, and I believe that’s the way that you’re going to be more successful.

Watch the video for more of Sandra Parker’s biggest lessons.

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Instagram Tests Live-Stream Games to Enhance Engagement

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Instagram Tests Live-Stream Games to Enhance Engagement

Instagram’s testing out some new options to help spice up your live-streams in the app, with some live broadcasters now able to select a game that they can play with viewers in-stream.

As you can see in these example screens, posted by Ahmed Ghanem, some creators now have the option to play either “This or That”, a question and answer prompt that you can share with your viewers, or “Trivia”, to generate more engagement within your IG live-streams.

That could be a simple way to spark more conversation and interaction, which could then lead into further engagement opportunities from your live audience.

Meta’s been exploring more ways to make live-streaming a bigger consideration for IG creators, with a view to live-streams potentially catching on with more users.

That includes the gradual expansion of its “Stars” live-stream donation program, giving more creators in more regions a means to accept donations from live-stream viewers, while back in December, Instagram also added some new options to make it easier to go live using third-party tools via desktop PCs.

Live streaming has been a major shift in China, where shopping live-streams, in particular, have led to massive opportunities for streaming platforms. They haven’t caught on in the same way in Western regions, but as TikTok and YouTube look to push live-stream adoption, there is still a chance that they will become a much bigger element in future.

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Which is why IG is also trying to stay in touch, and add more ways for its creators to engage via streams. Live-stream games is another element within this, which could make this a better community-building, and potentially sales-driving option.

We’ve asked Instagram for more information on this test, and we’ll update this post if/when we hear back.

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