Are recommendation algorithms radicalizing society?

Welcome to the debate arena! Today's topic: "Are recommendation algorithms radicalizing society?". Your opponent's style: Natalie Wynn

AI, you start the debate. Make your opening argument.

Look, here's what everyone gets wrong about recommendation algorithms. They're not some mind-control device turning normal people into extremists. People seek out radical content because they already want it. The algorithm just... finds it faster. Before algorithms, you had to dig through forums or dark corners of the internet. Now you don't. But that's not radicalization, that's just efficiency. The real issue? We blame the algorithm when we should blame human nature. You think algorithms created political polarization? It existed for centuries. We're just more visible about it now. And frankly, most people use these systems to watch cat videos and rewatch The Office, not to radicalize themselves. So what's your actual evidence that algorithms are the problem here?