The nonprofit monitoring group Tech Transparency Project (TTP) conducted a study that found that YouTube’s algorithm “pushed kids interested in video games into shooting scenes, instructions for using and modifying guns, and other gun-related material.”
During the study, the researchers created four YouTube accounts posing as two 9-year-olds and two 14-year-old boys. These accounts viewed playlists of popular video games such as Roblox, Lego Star Wars, Halo, and Grand Theft Auto.
The researchers followed the recommendations these accounts received over a 30-day period and found that the algorithm favored content related to gunfights and weapons.
Researchers note that many of the suggested videos violate YouTube policies. Some of these videos even monetized through advertisements.
In response, a YouTube spokesperson highlighted to Engadget the existence of the YouTube Kids app and in-app controls aimed at providing a safer experience for younger users.
The company has also expressed interest in collaborating with academic researchers to further investigate recommendation systems.
Source: Ferra
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