The internet has become a breeding ground for radicalization, in part due to data collection and algorithm-driven manipulation. As algorithms gather information on users' interests and behaviors, they inadvertently lead them into filter bubbles. These bubbles, or echo chambers, expose individuals to increasingly extreme content, reinforcing their beliefs and exacerbating the radicalization process.
"The Summary" app is designed to raise awareness about filter bubbles that users may unknowingly find themselves in by offering a playful approach using gamification mechanisms. Drawing inspiration from the popular Spotify Wrap Up, the app provides users with a periodic wrap-up of their social media behavior. It offers insights into the types of content users have interacted with and compares their behavior with other users, helping them recognize their position within their filter bubbles and highlighting the variety of perspectives that exist within their wider social circles.
A key feature of "The Summary" is its shareability, which allows users to showcase their social media wrap-up with friends and followers. This encourages open dialogue among users about differing views and stimulates discussions on various topics.
Moreover, "The Summary" app also critiques the overall social media consumption and the amount of time spent on these platforms. This feature serves as a reminder for users to reflect on their usage habits and maintain a balanced digital life. The "filter bubble" aspect is kept subtile to only show for people that tend to wander in radical groups, this serves the purpose of making it widely used and engaging without directly criticizing people but rather make individuals question and think about their social media usage.
*this is only a concept prototype and not a final Design
One Semester Oct 21 — Jan 22
Participants
James Finnegan
Tomas Coleman
Lucy Cara Dökel
My Role
Concept and Research
Prototype Wireframes
Animate Wireframes