Being Led Astray or Misinformed
摘要
This chapter explores the young men’s concerns about being led astray or misinformed online. These concerns are associated with the negative influence of algorithms shaping their online experiences. While some appreciated consuming content curated by algorithms, others expressed scepticism that algorithms may steer them towards unwelcome or harmful content. The young men’s critical awareness of algorithms prompted some to proactively curate content to avoid becoming stuck in echo chambers. In relation to misinformation, the chapter foregrounds the young men’s views about credible and false information online, their embracing but also scepticism of the gendered content peddled by the controversial influencer Andrew Tate, and their thoughts about freedom of expression, cancel culture and censorship. The analytic summaries interspersed within the chapter draw attention to practices of curatorial intentionality, scepticism, ethical engagement and reflexivity [Pangrazio, L. (2018). Young people’s literacies in the digital age: Continuities, conflicts and contradictions. Routledge].