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.

You want to know if algorithms are radicalizing society? Here's the truth: they're not the villain in this story, we are. Yes, algorithms optimize for engagement, but that just means they're showing us what we already want to watch. The radicalization isn't happening because YouTube suggested a conspiracy video, it's happening because millions of people are *choosing* to fall down those holes. We blame the algorithm like it's some puppet master, but we're the ones typing "just one more video" at 2 AM. Before algorithms, people radicalized through churches, talk radio, friend groups. The medium changes, human nature doesn't. Stop blaming the tool and start asking why we're so desperate for certainty that we'll believe anything.