Rescuing Counterspeech: A Bridging-Based Approach to Combating Misinformation

Abstract: Social media has a misinformation problem, and counterspeech -- fighting bad speech with more speech -- has been an ineffective solution. Here, we argue that bridging-based ranking -- an algorithmic approach to promoting content favored by users of diverse viewpoints -- is a promising approach to helping counterspeech combat misinformation. By identifying counterspeech that is favored both by users who are inclined to agree and by users who are inclined to disagree with a piece of misinformation, bridging promotes counterspeech that persuades the users most likely to believe the misinformation. Furthermore, this algorithmic approach leverages crowd-sourced votes, shifting discretion from platforms back to users and enabling counterspeech at the speed and scale required to combat misinformation online. Bridging is respectful of users' autonomy and encourages broad participation in healthy exchanges; it offers a way for the free speech tradition to persist in modern speech environments.