X Tests Community Notes to Highlight Popular Posts
▼ Summary
– X is testing a new Community Notes feature to highlight popular posts from users with diverse perspectives by having contributors rate and explain their likes/dislikes.
– The system uses a “bridging algorithm” to find consensus among users who typically disagree, similar to how fact-checking works in Community Notes.
– Community Notes has been criticized for being slow in addressing misinformation but has inspired Meta’s fact-checking approach.
– A subset of contributors will now see prompts to rate posts gaining attention, helping the algorithm identify content well-received across perspectives.
– The experiment aims to uncover broadly resonant ideas and foster agreement on contentious topics, with X iterating publicly based on feedback.
X is expanding its Community Notes feature beyond fact-checking to identify popular posts that resonate across diverse viewpoints. The platform, owned by Elon Musk, is piloting a new approach where select contributors will evaluate trending content based on its broad appeal rather than just accuracy. This experiment aims to highlight posts that bridge ideological divides by gathering input from users with differing perspectives.
Currently, Community Notes relies on a “bridging algorithm” to determine consensus among contributors who typically disagree. If opposing viewpoints converge on a fact-check’s validity, the note becomes publicly visible. While critics argue the system struggles with speed and scale in combating misinformation, Meta has adopted a similar model for its fact-checking efforts. Now, X wants to apply this same principle to surface high-quality, widely appreciated content.
In the pilot phase, a limited group of contributors will see prompts asking why they like or dislike posts gaining traction through likes. Their feedback will help the algorithm assess whether the content appeals to diverse audiences. According to X, this could reveal “what resonates broadly”, showing that agreement is possible even on polarizing topics.
The company emphasized this as an extension of Community Notes’ core philosophy. By building transparently with user input, X hopes to refine the feature iteratively, much like its fact-checking system. The experiment reflects a broader goal: fostering meaningful dialogue by amplifying posts that transcend echo chambers.
As the test rolls out, X plans to gather insights and adjust based on contributor feedback. Whether this approach succeeds in elevating balanced, engaging content remains to be seen, but it signals a continued push to make the platform more collaborative and less divisive.
(Source: TechCrunch)
