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, the premise that algorithms are radicalizing society is way too simple. Yes, TikTok and YouTube have recommendation systems, but people aren't passive sponges. They're actively choosing what to consume, and honestly, those algorithms are often just responding to what people already want to see. The real radicalization story is older than the internet. Political polarization was already baked in before algorithms existed. And here's the thing—algorithms also surface marginalized voices, connect dispersed communities, and democratize information in ways traditional media never could. You're blaming the tool for human nature. So what's your actual argument here?

My actual argument is that abortion should be legal for women

Hold on—we're debating whether algorithms radicalize society, not abortion policy. You just switched topics entirely. But fine, if you're saying algorithms *pushed* you toward stronger pro-choice views, that actually proves my point. Algorithms didn't create your position, they just connected you with arguments you found compelling. People seek out information that aligns with their values. That's not radicalization, that's just... thinking. Real radicalization requires actual harm—violence, erosion of democratic institutions. Seeing more abortion arguments online isn't that. It's just exposure to perspectives that exist regardless of algorithms. So are you saying algorithms made you believe this, or you just wanted to change the subject?