Guardian Australia3 hours agoTech1 min readAustralia

Chanel Contos advocates for social media opt-in to algorithms to combat misogyny

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Consent advocate Chanel Contos is campaigning for social media companies to offer Australians an opt-in choice for algorithms driving infinite scroll, arguing it addresses structural forces behind misogynistic behavior in young men, while discussing harmful misunderstandings about sexual choking and the effectiveness of banning smartglass imports to manage problematic user behavior.

AI-generated summary

Why It Matters

Chanel Contos is a consent advocate known for her work on sexual consent education in Australia, particularly following her 2021 petition that led to curriculum changes. She spoke at the National Press Club this week before giving this interview.

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Consent advocate Chanel Contos is leading a new campaign to push for social media companies to give Australians the choice to ‘opt in’ to the algorithms driving the infinite scroll.

Following her speech at the National Press Club this week, she speaks with political editor Tom McIlroy about why this solution addresses the structural forces influencing misogynistic behaviour – particularly in young men. They also discuss harmful misunderstandings about sexual choking, and whether or not a ban on the import of smartglasses would effectively manage pernicious behaviour by some users.

What to Watch

AI outlook — possibilities, not facts

Social media companies will face increasing pressure to offer algorithmic opt-in options in Australia
Likely · Within months
Public debate will grow over the regulation of emerging technologies like smartglasses to prevent misuse
Possible · Within months

Open Questions

Which specific social media companies are being targeted by the campaign?
What would the technical implementation of an 'opt-in' to algorithms entail?
How would a ban on smartglass imports be enforced and what defines 'pernicious behavior' in this context?
What evidence supports the link between infinite scroll algorithms and misogynistic behavior?

Chanel Contos advocates for social media opt-in to algorithms to combat misogyny

Quick Look

AI-generated summary

Why It Matters

Font size

Consent advocate Chanel Contos is leading a new campaign to push for social media companies to give Australians the choice to ‘opt in’ to the algorithms driving the infinite scroll.

What to Watch

AI outlook — possibilities, not facts

Social media companies will face increasing pressure to offer algorithmic opt-in options in Australia
Likely · Within months
Public debate will grow over the regulation of emerging technologies like smartglasses to prevent misuse
Possible · Within months

Open Questions

Which specific social media companies are being targeted by the campaign?
What would the technical implementation of an 'opt-in' to algorithms entail?
How would a ban on smartglass imports be enforced and what defines 'pernicious behavior' in this context?
What evidence supports the link between infinite scroll algorithms and misogynistic behavior?

Chanel Contos advocates for social media opt-in to algorithms to combat misogyny

Quick Look

Why It Matters

What to Watch

Open Questions

Related Topics

Chanel Contos advocates for social media opt-in to algorithms to combat misogyny

Quick Look

Why It Matters

What to Watch

Open Questions

Related Topics

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