[steven741]

I feel that the biggest problem with social media isn't a matter of liberty but one of control. Individual consumers don't have enough control over what they see. For example, if I'd like not to see anything political whatsoever on my Facebook that right is often not respected. And it should be respected. It is my account. If someone says something I don't like or don't want to be affiliated with I should take steps to remove myself from that. If they come to me after doing this it's Facebook's fault.

[twoquestions]

Continuing from this, as they push content on you that you don't want to see, you become used to it. It's the same as getting used to a new musical genre; at first it all sounds like noise, but after the 50th or so hour you can hear the important parts clearly. Repetition legitimizes.

Harnessing that, they (Facebook, other advertisers) can push what ideas they want you to think into your mind, almost without your even noticing if you're not paying attention, and work to convince you you're the outlier even if you reject what they're saying.

You're correct, and the more I think on it the creepier it gets.

[tenebrisalietum]

I don't see anything political on my Facebook, but it's taken probably over a full year of blocking groups and unfollowing people to get there. I wish I could get a list of the groups I blocked and share it.