Futurist Hardy Schloer warns in an exclusive interview for N1 that social media algorithms push users into extremism

Schloer, a lecturer, futurist, data analyst, and geopolitical advisor, stressed that digital platforms increasingly determine how users perceive the world - often by exposing them to extreme content.

“If you support left or right-wing ideas and follow that kind of narrative, social media will keep showing you the same. But more than that: it will gradually feed you increasingly extreme versions of the content. Suddenly, your whole world is reduced to what you already prefer. Content creators can easily target specific groups with very specific messages. We must find a way to return to normality, where algorithms don’t control us", Schloer said.

He highlighted education as the key answer to this challenge:

“The real solution is to educate ourselves as humanity and learn how to make choices. That’s the only way out", he added.

To illustrate algorithm-driven radicalization, Schloer pointed to YouTube:

“Create a completely neutral profile and start watching content from a particular political or social angle. For example, let’s say you feel uneasy about a large influx of refugees. Within just a few days, you’ll be overwhelmed with refugee-critical content. Not only is your feed filtered - you’re pushed toward increasingly radical ideas", he explained.

According to Schloer, the addictive design of digital technologies makes this problem even worse.

“Most people today cannot live without their mobile devices. They become nervous when they don’t have their phone, they go to bed with it in their hands so as not to miss anything. We have merged with the device", he told N1.

Looking ahead, Schloer predicted the next major breakthrough in technology:

“The next big thing will be smart glasses. We’ll look through them, and they’ll become part of us. I’m convinced that within ten years, everyone will use smart glasses to consume content. That’s the next big step, and we are already merging with such devices", he concluded.

Meanwhile, debates in the scientific community continue over whether social media algorithms are solely a threat - driving radicalization and deepening social divisions - or whether they can also be regulated and harnessed for education, critical thinking, and the democratization of information. Political and legal circles are increasingly calling for regulation that would require technology companies to ensure greater transparency in how algorithms operate, as well as accountability for the content they distribute.