In a world where social media algorithms dictate much of what we see, Kylie Moore-Gilbert’s experience offers a poignant reminder of the power and peril of these digital echo chambers. Her tale begins with dreams haunted by blood-soaked streets, a vivid manifestation of the content that had dominated her feeds in the wake of a massacre in Iran.
The massacre, which unfolded in early January 2026, marked a turning point for Moore-Gilbert, a political scientist and writer. Her feeds on Instagram and X became inundated with scenes of violence and despair, a stark reflection of the brutal crackdown by the Iranian regime. As the internet was switched off by authorities on January 8, the chronology of events became scrambled, yet the algorithm continued to feed her a relentless stream of content.
The Algorithm’s Unyielding Grip
The experience was Moore-Gilbert’s first real encounter with the algorithmic bubble—a phenomenon where social media platforms, through years of data collection, tailor content to users’ interests, often to the exclusion of all else. For her, this meant a feed dominated entirely by Iran-related content, a fire hose of devastating violence that she couldn’t look away from.
Moore-Gilbert’s story highlights the self-radicalizing power of social media algorithms. These systems are designed to exploit users’ fears, anxieties, and political preferences, all in the pursuit of engagement-driven profits. Initially, she felt a responsibility to bear witness and amplify the voices of those suffering under the regime. But as days turned into nights filled with haunting dreams, the psychological toll became evident.
The Evolution of Social Media Activism
The current landscape of social media activism contrasts sharply with the optimism of the Arab Spring in 2011. Back then, platforms were seen as tools for democratization, enabling young people to organize and challenge authoritarian regimes. Countries like Egypt, Tunisia, and Yemen briefly stood as examples of tech-driven change.
However, the rise of algorithmic echo chambers has altered this dynamic. While many social and political movements have authentic foundations, they are often accompanied by a growing radicalism nurtured online. Algorithms, sometimes manipulated by outside forces, create environments where a single perspective can dominate.
“Our feeds have become the playthings of interest groups… governments using bot farms, sock-puppets and sympathetic user accounts to contort public opinion.”
Anne Applebaum, in her work “Autocracy Inc.,” debunks the notion that the internet remains a marketplace of ideas. Instead, she argues, it has become a battleground where foreign entities and governments game the algorithms to foster echo chambers of radicalism and outrage.
The Role of Foreign Influence
Moore-Gilbert is confident that her Iran-focused feed was not the result of an online influence campaign. Yet, she acknowledges the pervasive nature of foreign influence on social media. Countries like Iran, China, and Russia have been known to exploit these platforms, bombarding users with content that reinforces specific narratives.
This manipulation is facilitated by the lack of regulation and oversight from governments. Many are either too entangled with big tech or too cautious of political repercussions to enforce meaningful controls. As a result, social media remains a potent tool for those seeking to influence public opinion.
Recognizing the Echo Chamber
Moore-Gilbert’s experience underscores the importance of recognizing when one is trapped in an ideological echo chamber. Caring deeply about a cause does not make one immune to the algorithm’s influence. In fact, it might make it more likely.
As Iran continues to grapple with the aftermath of its most devastating atrocity, amplifying the voices of those affected remains crucial. However, on a personal level, it’s equally important to know when to step back and seek a broader perspective.
Kylie Moore-Gilbert, an academic in Middle Eastern political science at Macquarie University and author of “The Uncaged Sky: My 804 Days in an Iranian Prison,” offers a sobering reflection on the power of social media algorithms. Her story serves as a cautionary tale for all who engage with these platforms, reminding us of the need for vigilance and critical thinking in the digital age.
