Australia social media algorithm experiment reveals gendered content trends

An investigation into social media algorithms reveals how different gendered profiles are targeted with distinct types of content. While a profile posing as a 17-year-old boy was quickly directed toward the ‘manosphere’ and misogynistic content, a profile posing as a 17-year-old girl primarily encountered content related to gender division rather than the expected focus on body image or disordered eating.

This experiment follows the Australian federal government's announcement of a crackdown on toxic content via a digital duty of care bill. The proposed legislation would require social media platforms to implement measures protecting users under 18 from misogynistic content, terrorism, bullying, and eating disorders, including an option for users to opt out of algorithmic feeds.

Data from the Butterfly Foundation indicates that nearly two-thirds of Australians aged 12-18 report feeling dissatisfied with their bodies due to social media, with over 90 per cent expressing some level of body image concern.