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Manipulating the YouTube Algorithm - (Part 1/3) Smarter Every Day 213

SmarterEveryDay - 2019-03-31

My first video of a 3 part series on "coordinated inauthentic behavior". Thanks to ExpressVPN for sponsoring this series. Get 3 months free with 12-month plan at 
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Test your internet connection for leaks here: https://browserleaks.com/ip)
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Renée Diresta is a Mozilla Fellow in Media, Misinformation, and Trust, where she researches unintended consequences of algorithms and works towards helping machines make better decisions. Renee also writes about disinformation and the changing face of information war — check out her essay “The Digital Maginot Line” (https://www.ribbonfarm.com/2018/11/28/the-digital-maginot-line) — and is a contributor to Wired Ideas (https://www.wired.com/author/renee-diresta).

Here are examples of some of the videos in question 

(Open these videos in incognito mode so you don’t  mess up your algorithm.)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3bfkZNh-NOE  - 298k views
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AvA6fmfazCs  8k views
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q72JmckZM8M

To say this presentation style is shady is an understatement.  Quite interesting. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-5_XJxJrPA - 107k views

Here’s one of the channels: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCt0Rc8yD14JXkZUdZvOBgow

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Warm Regards,

Destin

SmarterEveryDay - 2019-03-31

Thank you for taking the time to watch the video. This is video 1 of a 3 part series on Social Media Algorithm manipulation and countermeasures. Even if you're aware of these issues, odds are your friends and parents are not. I'm hoping we can use this video series to educate an incredible amount of people about the realities of algorithmic manipulation online. The engineers tasked with working on these problems take their jobs very seriously and they are truly the unsung heroes in this fight. I'd be honored if you shared this video with someone you love.


I'm on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/smartereveryday
You can subscribe here for the rest of the series (in process): http://bit.ly/Subscribe2SED



Note: This is a completely apolitical video. I don't care what side of the aisle you're on, you're a target of these types of attacks. I'd like to say thank you to everyone at these three companies (and those beyond) willing to discuss this very sensitive topic, and giving me your trust. This touches many different areas.... technical engineering, human interactions, artificial intelligence, IT, financial incentives, law enforcement, attempts to manipulate others, etc. This is an absolutely fascinating topic and I believe it's imperative that we talk about these issues more openly so even the most lackadaisical social media user is aware of them. I have realized lately that in general, people online are very eager to become angry at these platforms whenever there is the slightest misstep, without truly understanding the impossible engineering tasks these individuals have been given.


I'd like to thank Renée Diresta for taking the time to discuss these issues openly with me. She wrote a wonderful piece called the "Digital Maginot Line" (https://www.ribbonfarm.com/2018/11/28/the-digital-maginot-line/). For those unfamiliar, the maginot line was an amazing undertaking to create a defensive front, which was easily sidestepped. It's worth your time.

robsw0rld - 2020-09-17

Thank you!

Saurabh Kisku - 2020-09-24

Where is the second part of this video? The link in the description isnt working in the app !! What to do ??

Saurabh Kisku - 2020-09-24

What to do ?

White Wild - 2020-10-05

If you say Russians at the end of this video I am going to flip my lid.

Chris Turnblom - 2020-10-19

Ha! Things are getting pretty heavy. My cousin says he can't discuss and do certain things or interact with the public in certain ways. Probably because of the posse comitatus act or something. I agree in that philosophy for the most part because it prevents a military dictatorship or other tyrannical scenarios.
Again though, things are getting pretty heavy & I know good people like you need support so I'll be around to contact if you need some Coin.

Hopefully, things don't get that bad though.

AlExWfC - 2019-04-03

Don't mind me, I'm just commenting to generate activity so the algorithm put this video forward! 2

PNW Mak - 2020-06-28

Noice

tisam2009 - 2020-07-11

that's an amazing video!!!!

Jennifer Lawrence - 2020-07-29

I'm going through on all the videos I've watched and doing this.

Chris Rowland - 2020-08-02

A year later and doing the same

M G - 2020-10-18

replied to comment

Jake's Top 10 - 2019-10-14

Love the call for political grace.

CrypticBlade - 2020-09-15

Lazerbeams brother is here

TheRempongsHD - 2019-10-05

why am I here.. something missing?

pras hendra - 2020-09-12

Apa sih

GreedForMoney - 2020-07-10

"Regardless of whether this material is made in some far-off land to make a quick buck"


India: helloooo duhh

Pietri Guitars - 2020-09-11

Lol, I was scrolling and read this just as he was saying it @15:33

SCIENCEIUM - 2020-09-21

i am from india

B B - 2020-10-01

It could be anywhere. People suck everywhere. Prime example: is how you seem to think India is the only culprit. see you suck too?

Erik Ray - 2020-10-24

Do Like Cheap They Got The Cheapest Little Cost To Big American G.I. Like You

Klecker Klotz - 2020-01-04

"...the flaw in our heart, to fight our neighbors..." thank you for saying these words. It's exactly, what is the problem of humanity. This content should be translated in every language of this planet. Everybody has to know about this.

Erik Ray - 2020-10-24

How To Kill Without Remorse? Seed A Nation? Raise A House Of Adults For Drugs Alone?

John Williams - 2020-02-14

Did I just watch a 20min ad for express VPN?

/s

Alan F - 2020-07-17

Can't fault the guy for obtaining sponsorship. Destin is probably one of the most honest and transparent YouTube content producers ever. The crooks even steal his videos and upload them as their own. :-(

Grumbles - 2020-08-23

@Alan F /s indicates sarcasm on the internet

Lisa Stiles - 2020-09-01

I don’t mind recommendations and/or advertising that is transparent. It’s deception I abhor.

Alan F - 2020-09-12

@Lisa Stiles Are you implying that Smarter Every Day is being deceptive in some way? We're listening.

Lisa Stiles - 2020-09-13

Alan F No, not at all! I meant the precise opposite. It’s completely legit to have sponsors, and when it’s transparent people can decide for themselves how much weight to give your words. I think you scrupulously maintain fair boundaries in this regard.

It’s when others portray themselves as completely objective, while hiding ulterior motives and agendas, that is manipulative and vile.

D* C* - 2020-02-18

I never watch robo voice videos for more the 5seconds!!! I exit ASAP

michel Guevara - 2020-08-18

I drop dislikes automatically for robogobs

YeetusWRLD - 2020-09-09

The only robot videos I watch is cowbelly studios because those are memes

Paul S - 2020-09-12

@michel Guevara me too! English subtitles would be better, for the occasional vid that is relevant but not so much to people in those countries who don't speak English, like some unique technical vids. Typically they are from the Middle East, tho not always

Erik Ray - 2020-10-24

Lie, Eventually YOU WILL BELIEVE!!!

MoonJumpMania - 2020-01-09

My mom actually watches these types of videos, especially the ones that talk about health and essential oils

MoonJumpMania - 2020-10-20

@Zesteey Yeah, she just recently became a degenerate

Drew Sprayberry - 2020-10-22

@The New Talker Guy <<<<< Found the Russian bot sympathizer.

Lucie Ciepka - 2020-10-23

Essential oils = pro alternative medicine = against proved medicine = anti vaccine = anti science = flat earther. This is what YouTube Google Facebook thinks about you and this is what they turn you in to. Just gradually guiding further in to the rabbit hole.

Erik Ray - 2020-10-24

And We Watch Your Mom On Her Channel, You Ever Hit That Yet?

Mayn 90's - 2020-11-03

@Lucie Ciepka By the sound of it, I don't think you need any of their help getting down a rabbit hole.

VON FOLTA - 2019-09-26

"until our hearts change... "

Robert Underwood - 2020-02-14

There you go buddy. You nailed it.

We all have gripes, some more justifiable than others...and anger sells.

devinsupertramp - 2019-04-02

Amazing information!! So informative, my eyes have been opened! Thanks for sharing your insights! Stoked to watch the other two vids once they go live.

SmarterEveryDay - 2019-04-03

Thanks Devin!

F8-4-4N-FIGHTER - 2020-09-27

Isn’t all content manufactured? Oh just Donald trumps? I get it. Who just died and is getting replaced? Well guess we know what political affiliation you are.

Erik Ray - 2020-10-24

Jerry Why Are You So Harsh To The World. It Loves You Without End. Like Captin Crunch In Your Underwear.. You Come Out Of That Closet girl!!!

David Hoch - 2020-08-30

1:57 I'm pretty sure that is AI trying to replicate another YouTuber's voice. NileRed. Really creepy.

Jerry Veve - 2020-09-08

I love that dude! But yeah, that sucks

Jacob Abramoski - 2020-09-22

That's awesome ☺️
I like seeing other Nile Red fans

Erik Ray - 2020-10-24

You Better Quit Talking About What You Know, Even What You THINK YOU KNOW? They Know Even Where You Are Planning To Cheat Next Time, You Know On Your Wife, Betty Two Fingers. Or Shelly Whatever..

Tomas Tylecek - 2020-02-13

this is the most informative content that anyone has offered on this subject. i deffinetly subscribed. more pls sir

Mike Pindara - 2020-09-20

At what point do the engineers ask "is this still the right method?" Knowing it has the potential to do meaningful harm.

A&C Covers - 2020-03-24

WHERE'S PART TWO DESTIN! I NEED IT!! IT'S BEEN A YEAR ALMOST GIMMMMEEE 😂😂 (So anyone who sees this comment.... This was actually part 1 and part 2 is his Twitter manipulation video!)

Taran Van Hemert - 2019-03-31

Some great animation in the video -- you've hired that out, right?

One2Entertain News - 2019-10-11

Thank you for sharing this. I’m a small YouTube content creator and have been wondering how all of this works. I too have been going about it all wrong. I’ve been concentrated on quality content. Perhaps I should’ve bought some sub bots. Nah. I’ll keep it real. I’m aspiring to create a classic channel and not a trendy one. Networking is key. We small creators need to support each other.

Edit; I hold no ill will, or blame towards YouTube, for these problems. It seems a heavy task and I’m certain they are doing the best they can.

Lux Cardell - 2019-12-09

YouTube recommended me the Facebook and Twitter videos, but not this one...

High Energy Nutrition - 2020-05-06

oh oh..

Spencer Roberson - 2020-08-10

Oof...

Biplab Kumar Ghosh - 2020-09-13

It's the opposite for me. YouTube recommend me this video not the other 2

Sky1videos - 2019-11-15

The fact that several main stream news stations echo the exact same story using the exact same wording is not an issue?

Weechie - 2020-02-16

Sky1 Exactly... Wake up People.! Know Jesus, love and cars for one another..

SaulGoodMannnn - 2020-10-06

Watch the video on control room by MTV where a comedian makes a fake product and it gets picked up by all the big media bc they’re too lazy to actually research what they report lol

Erik Ray - 2020-10-24

Do NOT QUESTION, The Question!!! Do it NOW!!!

ani kado - 2020-06-27

There are similar videos with random musk interviews, trying to trick watchers in a bitcoin giveaway (in musks name, with a entry fee)

Bass T - 2020-07-07

Musks comments and videos about him are full with that kind of things. Fans of Elon Musk tend to fall for everything that sounds futuristic / cryptic, so these scammers have a perfect feeding ground there.

arpita - 2020-08-06

No matter how good the algorithm is, someone always thinks a step ahead to cheat it.

ComfortMsfit - 2020-09-29

So true

Scott Nagy - 2019-04-01

These last couple, and next couple I bet, of your videos should be required viewing for all internet users. Thanks very much for your efforts, Destin. Such good stuff to have people think about.

Bradley - 2019-04-01

100% agree. This should be required viewing. And with the progress of technology, it needs to be updated at regular intervals.

Sean Grisez - 2019-04-01

Definitely! I share the on my social media accounts to encourage my friends to be educated. They don't, but at least I try!

Novgorod - 2019-04-01

Just adblock everything - then it's fair game for all.

Triumvirate888 - 2019-04-01

I agree, but only if he gets information from both sides. Right now, it looks like he is just taking these giant evil corporations at their word, and ignoring the fact that they are just as bad as the "bad actors". The "bad actors" are trying to get around the algorithm to allow free speech and allow content creators to make money without being blocked by censorship. YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter, are trying to silence people they disagree with, and are using the algorithm as an excuse. We have proof that these companies are using far-left activist groups to generate bots that monitor content on their sites, and flag non-leftist content for de-boosting, shadowbanning, and demonetization.

If a robot account that spams videos is creating content that is politically or financially motivated, how is that any different than YouTube promoting videos that cause YouTube to make more money and get their preferred politicians into power? They are both doing the exact same thing. The only reason we call people getting around the algorithm "bad actors" is because YouTube has chosen to portray them as such. They are doing exactly what YouTube does, only in a way that is more clever, and is pro-Free Speech.

Novgorod - 2019-04-01

@Triumvirate888 It's the same for every single "news" company. Just stop giving them ad money.

BearkyBearky - 2020-07-14

"It uploaded a bunch of gaming content and at this moment here it began uploading videos about politics" XD

. - 2020-01-13

It first became apparent how messed up Youtube is when I was really high trying to find something to watch, only to realize that the videos showing up no matter what I searched were things I’d either seen on the Youtube home page and dismissed or already watched.

Same deal with Spotify, they keep recommending you ”bands you’ve recently played”, ”albums you’ve recently listened to” etc. and you’re left feeling like there’s nothing left to discover.

I miss stumbling across some kid messing around with a Wallmart camcorder to Bodies or Sound System 009 or a Windows Movie Maker slideshow.
Now it’s just a bunch of polished turds with 99 ads you’ve already seen 10 times thrown at you in an algorithm loop.

Weechie - 2020-02-16

yet took many people don't even notice... being brainwashed

Casey - 2020-07-03

Exactly, and i havent seen one other person mention this at all

Gabriel Sylvestre - 2019-10-25

Thank you so much for taking the time to research this and explain it! I love your channel and this is very important to be aware of! God Bless you!

r2dxhate - 2020-10-30

7:56 he gives a baseball signal to steal second base

SimplyGimpy - 2019-03-31

This series is such an antidote to the toxic mix of tabloid nonsense, hatemongering and misinformation flooding over youtube.

I know it's only a drop in the ocean, but the fact that it exists is at all is like medicine for my brain.

Nobody Important - 2019-04-18

All news sources can’t really be trusted, ESPECIALLY CNN and FOX news, they both will relentlessly support there side of the story, even if that means changing certain facts, hiding stories all together, or only telling the part of the story that makes there political party look good.

Spec Tacular - 2019-05-10

its social engineering for one thing or another.

Amir Boutabaa - 2019-06-04

@Nobody Important Yes but Fox News is quite clear on their conservative take on news whereas CNN claims to be neutral despite pushing an anti-Trump leftist agenda on every political news they cover. That's where the lack of trust originates.

Nobody Important - 2019-06-06

Rim pak they try to say there neutral?? That’s crazy, all I ever seen of them is left cantered stuff.

richard kaye - 2019-11-11

Nathan Bruce fake news is misunderstood. What cnn and other left wing “news” outlets do is provide a select few facts, sometimes skewed and sometimes outright falsehoods. Generally speaking, these select facts are then used to draft a narrative that people take as fact when it was a slither of truth here and there and then nonstop storytelling straight from the dnc.

Interesting there was no mention of mainstream left wing outlets, all of them, and how they reported the insane Russian collusion nonsense for 2.5 years without ever presenting a scintilla of proof and when it fell apart, they moved onto the next hit piece on Trump. No mention of how the biggest purveyors of fake news were the very outlets half the country watches on tv and trust.


Fake news doesnt always involve a specific lie, its often pertinent facts omitted to mislead and enabling their deceptive crafting of the left wing narrative which is a total fiction very far removed from reality.

MaNuLaToR'S MiXeS - 2020-02-02

Yeah its pretty amazing the lengths that some individuals have gone to manipulate the system.

My question is, if it is it a political stink than why the videos for each side?

Is it because the government is behind it because EVERYONE knows that the left and the right are just different sides of the SAME coin or card (if you like to play poker)

That is all






the trollcart has left the station



LIKE

Inside Jazz Guitar - 2020-09-13

There’s a whole submarket of this dedicated to children’s videos. Through my children I have seen it.

ckeilah - 2020-01-02

I quit watching TV decades ago when I realized I was a product to be sold to others. I’ve been feeling the same way about yootoob for a while now. I’ll miss a few channels, like this one, but there are more GREAT books than I could ever read, so I think they’ll be getting most of my time in the future.

Ytterbium Yttrium - 2020-09-26

"Lord and master, hear my call!
Ah, here comes the master!
I have need of Thee!
from the spirits that I called
Sir, deliver me!"

MSW - 2020-10-13

?

Mathur P - 2019-04-01

Video good. Excellent. Trump. Hillary. Black. White. America.
Don't mind me I am just fooling youtube algorithm into believing the video should be recommended to more people.

Lukas Lindblom - 2019-04-03

@zodiacfml Did you even watch the video?

OvenCake - 2019-04-03

@zodiacfml umm it's a joke.

Mathur P - 2020-09-23

@zodiacfml Chill. i was just joking. I don't even have a youtube channel.

Mathur P - 2020-09-23

@Ghost Noodle Ha ha ha During these corona times, aren't YouTube comments the next networking spot! LOL. Have a nice day buddy!

Mathur P - 2020-09-23

@godzilla love sushi Not sure to whom your comment was targeted at. I live in India. So... Not exactly friends with China or Pakistan. Geez. It was just a joke. You guys are reading too much into it.

Bryan Knox, Child of God - 2020-01-06

I've always been suspicious. Suspicion now confirmed. Thank you for the work you put into this video. very informative.

Dane - 2020-02-09

"attention economy" love it

5 Mins 5 Ideas - 2020-08-26

Thank you for a great video. As a data scientist it worries me how engineers are using data science to manipulate these platforms. There definitely need to be stricter ethics involved with usage and more stringent policing measures. For now it's just views and misinformation at risk but in a few years it will be lives at risk. Especially given the full adoption of self driving cars. You would not want hackers manipulating those.

Dan Deacon - 2019-10-05

The EASIEST way I find to avoid engaging with these fake videos is to pay attention to the Author attribution (shown right under the video title). If it is from an unknown author or untrusted source , I tend to consider it as having a high probability of being total BS -- especially if the topic appears to be political in nature or portrayed as "breaking news".
When it comes to watching REAL NEWS content, always be mindful of the SOURCE! If you dont see a 'seemingly' big story mentioned by multiple news sources that you consider trustworthy, it is probably fake.

MrFixIt DIY - 2019-04-01

Love all your stuff Destin but this is incredibly important content! Well done as always.

Jed Cletis - 2020-02-06

This vid reminds of a line from one of the greatest cult classics of all time - "I am the Great and Powerful OZ. Ignore the man behind the curtain " :)

Chris Symonds - 2020-09-09

well said

Stephanie Huesler - 2020-04-27

Preach it, Destin! Thank you for exposing these tactics, and highlighting what we can do to make the virtual world better. I love the Reepicheep references at the end of your videos, by the way!

Justin Kirschenman - 2019-09-20

8:57 ask her how she knows.

He company New Knowledge did exactly that to create the “Russian bot” propaganda.

They created bot accounts and linked those accounts to their political enemies. After that they told the media that they “discovered” Russian bots” backing their opponents.

Remember they are the ones who created and ran those accounts.
They were the “Russian bots”.

Passion Addict - 2019-10-10

Let’s pass it forward it’s called “online situational awareness”
Great video!

lifeintaiwan - 2019-04-01

Amazing video... the exact opposite of the videos in the subject matter, well made, accurate and informative... hope you get the accreditation you deserve for this kind of work... very well done

Rob Dickson - 2019-12-14

It doesnt show exactly where I live it's around a mile away I'm not really bothered
Also does it mean your manipulating us by making your videos in series or parts as they follow each other on ????

TheElfsHeadStore - 2019-10-04

Well done you have completed your dream
This was in my recomended

S Waseem - 2020-11-02

09:25 i wonder if imdb & rotten tomatoes engages this to boost certain movies before they're released to generate hype

JetztMalVonPommesZuKartoffel: _ - 2020-04-20

16:30 I find really important to think about. the way we are wired internally has not so much changed in contrast to the ever more analytical and evolving systems we are using and living in.

SK - 2019-04-01

Don't mind me, I'm just commenting to generate activity so the algorithm put this video forward!

Moon Safari Films - 2019-04-21

+

Boreeng Vajay - 2019-05-20

Readers may notice that I'm calling Dustin a shill right now. Watch the FB video, he kisses their funbags

Asian Cage - 2019-07-25

SK thats a very clever but practical Idea. Ups To You Amigo

Moayad Yaghi - 2019-10-27

here is my support +++

Ryanl34 - 2020-02-28

This is a good discussion, let me engage in it

John Doe - 2020-09-29

11:05 - Small Stories. Great way to conceptualize the massive increase in videos that are under 3 minutes or less

BARDOCK - 2020-04-04

I thought this video was about how Youtube manipulates it's trends, holds creators down and systematically censores people...

Lloyd Vandever - 2019-11-15

This is some of the best content ive seen on YouTube. Thank you.

Life with Murph - 2020-03-11

YouTube keeps giving me weird videos from 8-9 years ago!!