How Facebook’s Algorithms Fuel Fascism in the Age of Trump 2.0

By Cliff Potts, Editor-in-Chief, WPS News

Facebook is not merely a social media platform—it has become a powerful engine amplifying authoritarian chaos. The company’s algorithms systematically prioritize divisive and extremist content because such posts generate more engagement and, ultimately, more profit. Internal documents revealed in the Facebook Papers leak expose a grim reality: Facebook’s leadership was aware that its systems stoked hate, misinformation, and social polarization but chose financial gain over public safety (Facebook Papers, 2021).

This algorithmic amplification is no accident. Content that incites fear, outrage, and hatred rises to the top of users’ feeds. As a result, hate speech and conspiracy theories flourish unchecked. Fascist groups exploit this digital environment to organize, recruit, and spread dangerous misinformation, often with real-world violent consequences. Despite public statements to the contrary, many extremist pages and militias operate freely on Facebook, with minimal enforcement from the company (Anti-Defamation League, 2022).

Facebook’s political advertising policies exacerbate this crisis. The platform allows false and misleading political ads to flood users’ feeds, especially during critical election cycles. Unlike mainstream media, Facebook does not enforce rigorous fact-checking or transparency standards, enabling the spread of election lies and authoritarian propaganda. Meanwhile, progressive activists and left-wing voices frequently face censorship, demonetization, or shadow banning, creating a blatant double standard that favors far-right content and undermines democratic discourse (Isaac & Frenkel, 2020; Haugen, 2021).

The consequences of this toxic digital ecosystem extend beyond the internet. Facebook’s role as a digital firestarter contributes directly to social fragmentation, political violence, and the rise of authoritarian movements like Trump 2.0. It is not enough to treat these harms as unfortunate side effects; Facebook’s complicity demands urgent resistance and accountability.

Users and activists must refuse to feed this digital beast. Reporting hateful content, organizing beyond social media, and pushing for regulatory oversight are essential steps to counter Facebook’s destructive influence. The fight against fascism in the digital age requires confronting the very platforms that enable it. Recognizing the weaponization of Facebook’s algorithms is crucial for defending democracy in a world increasingly shaped by digital power.

APA Citations:

https://endfascism.xyz

Discover more from WPS News

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.