Rethinking the filter bubble? Developing a research agenda for the protective filter bubble

TL;DR

This paper reviews the dual nature of filter bubbles, highlighting their potential protective benefits for marginalized groups and proposing a research agenda to explore these positive aspects alongside the well-known negative effects.

Contribution

It introduces a balanced perspective on filter bubbles by emphasizing their protective roles and outlines future research directions to better understand their complex impacts.

Findings

Filter bubbles can provide safe spaces for marginalized communities.

Current research predominantly focuses on negative effects of filter bubbles.

The paper suggests exploring the positive aspects of filter bubbles in future studies.

Abstract

Filter bubbles and echo chambers have received global attention from scholars, media organizations, and the general public. Filter bubbles have primarily been regarded as intrinsically negative, and many studies have sought to minimize their influence. The detrimental influence of filter bubbles is well-studied. Filter bubbles may, for example, create information silos, amplify misinformation, and promote hatred and extremism. However, comparatively few studies have considered the other side of the filter bubble; its protective benefits, particularly to marginalized communities and those living in countries with low levels of press freedom. Through a review of the literature on digital safe spaces and protective filter bubbles, this commentary suggests that there may be a need to rethink the filter bubble, and it proposes several areas for future research.