Chanel Contos wants to fix our social media algorithms - podcast
News Source
โขFri, 04 Sep 2026 02:00:55 GMT
๐ฐ What Happened
Consent advocate Chanel Contos is leading a new campaign for change on social media. She wants companies to give Australians the choice to 'opt in' to the algorithms that drive the infinite scroll. Users could choose whether platforms feed them endless content, instead of being forced into it.
She spoke about the plan at the National Press Club this week. Then she talked with political editor Tom McIlroy on the Australian Politics podcast. They discussed how algorithms shape misogynistic behaviour, especially in young men, and harmful misunderstandings about sexual choking. They also debated whether banning smartglasses imports would stop bad behaviour by some users.
๐ The Backstory
Chanel Contos became famous for her campaign against sexual assault in schools. Her 'Teach Us Consent' push led to changes in sex education across Australia. Now she is turning to the tech side of the problem, arguing that algorithm design feeds harmful content to young people.
She supports moves like making social media algorithms optional in Australia. Regulators have also suggested smartglasses should blur faces while filming. The podcast is part of a wider debate about online safety, consent and the role of big tech companies.
๐ฏ Why It Matters
Social media algorithms shape what young people see every day. Giving users a choice could reduce harmful content and its effects on behaviour. This debate affects parents, teens and anyone who scrolls social media.
Consent advocate Chanel Contos is leading a new campaign for change on social media. She wants companies to give Australians the choice to 'opt in' to the algorithms that drive the infinite scroll. Users could choose whether platforms feed them endless content, instead of being forced into it.
She spoke about the plan at the National Press Club this week. Then she talked with political editor Tom McIlroy on the Australian Politics podcast. They discussed how algorithms shape misogynistic behaviour, especially in young men, and harmful misunderstandings about sexual choking. They also debated whether banning smartglasses imports would stop bad behaviour by some users.
Chanel Contos became famous for her campaign against sexual assault in schools. Her 'Teach Us Consent' push led to changes in sex education across Australia. Now she is turning to the tech side of the problem, arguing that algorithm design feeds harmful content to young people.
She supports moves like making social media algorithms optional in Australia. Regulators have also suggested smartglasses should blur faces while filming. The podcast is part of a wider debate about online safety, consent and the role of big tech companies.
Social media algorithms shape what young people see every day. Giving users a choice could reduce harmful content and its effects on behaviour. This debate affects parents, teens and anyone who scrolls social media.