The time I spend on social media has been steadily declining. It’s hard to ignore the growing awareness that these platforms are allegedly engineered to amplify controversy and boost engagement, often by exposing people to opposing views in ways that provoke emotional reactions. This kind of engagement translates directly into profit, simply by keeping users scrolling. I can definitely feel it on Facebook. And now, it seems I’m not alone in that feeling- French authorities have some serious questions too.
In July 2025, Paris prosecutor announced a criminal investigation into Musk’s platform X (formerly Twitter), following complaints by French lawmaker Eric Bothorel and a cybersecurity official. The national cybercrime unit (C3N) is investigating whether X manipulated its algorithms to promote hateful or politically biased content, especially in favor of far-right candidates during the European elections.
The case targets X and unnamed individuals, with possible charges including unlawful tampering with automated systems (i.e. algorithm manipulation) and organized data theft. The European Commission is also conducting a related investigation.
Even if the investigation doesn’t result in charges or penalties, the larger problem remains—and that is the power of social media platforms to massively influence the opinions of millions of people by constantly exposing them to manipulated or polarizing content. For example, ideologies or viewpoints held by only a small percentage of the population can be algorithmically amplified to appear as mainstream, creating the illusion of widespread support. This not only distorts public perception, but also undermines democratic discourse, which depends on free, fair, and informed debate and voting.
Is it naive to expect social medias to prefer morality over profit?
Is it time to hold social media platforms accountable for what their algorithms promote?
Can democracy survive in an algorithm-driven world?
Let me know what you think in the comments below👇 .
