Mark Cuban on Tuesday attributed a rise in racist sentiments to social media platforms that Cuban says employs algorithms that connect people with the same extreme viewpoints and ultimately “reward them for hate.”
“I think racism has become worse on the political edges of American society, which makes it more virulent and impactful to POC and women,” Cuban said in response to a user on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, who asked for his opinion on racism.
“People can come on @X and other platforms, remain anonymous, and find common ground with other racists, homophobes, anti-semites etc that just makes them more fervent,” wrote Cuban, the investor, television personality and billionaire who has been an owner of the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks.
“As their accounts grow and they get the random engagement by @elonmusk they are rewarded by the algorithm with further reach which in turn creates the opportunity for more racism On here,” he wrote.
Cuban’s perspective reflects a growing concern among lawmakers, parents, and other public officials about the extent to which social media algorithms fuel hate and depression among its users, including children. Many have also expressed the concern about the role social media has in regulating political viewpoints.
At the Supreme Court this week, justices are hearing two cases stemming from controversial laws in Texas and Florida regulating social media bans. The laws aim to block social media companies from banning users based on their political views — even if users violate platform policies.
If allowed to stand, they could weaken companies’ ability to enforce their own rules and transform free speech online.
Cuban said, however, that the lack of regulation of hateful speech on the internet can contribute to real-life consequences from connecting to those who support similar racist viewpoints.
“That gives them more confidence to connect IRL and create and grow organizations dedicated to hate. Which in turn gives more power to the racists to use whatever influence they have at their companies, jobs, wherever they can. These organizations reward them for hate, so it continues to grow,” he wrote. “That’s my opinion on racism.”