2016-2019: YouTube algorithm accused of radicalizing users via recommendation pipeline — gaming → anti-SJW → skeptics → alt-right → white nationalism. Researchers found watching Ben Shapiro led to Stefan Molyneux, then Richard Spencer. “Intellectual Dark Web” (Jordan Peterson, Dave Rubin, Sargon of Akkad) acted as gateway. YouTube’s 2019 policy changes (removing borderline content from recommendations) reduced but didn’t eliminate. By 2023: TikTok’s algorithm took over radicalization role.
Sources: Data & Society research, algorithm studies, deradicalization testimonials