YouTube has various algorithms to offer you recommended videos. The company presents videos that you may like according to your movements within the platform. In addition to the like button, the “dislike button” also helps these algorithms. So how well does the dislike button work?
YouTube algorithm fails at spam content
According to new research led by Mozilla, in-app feedback offered by YouTube, such as the “dislike” button, is largely ineffective for controlling recommended content. In the research, it was seen that the dislike button was insufficient to prevent uninteresting suggestions.
Research by Mozilla is based on millions of videos and feedback from thousands of people. Mozilla stated that four different controls are being tested within YouTube. These features consist of “I don’t like”, “I’m not interested”, “don’t recommend the channel” and “remove from watch history”. The researchers state that these options are generally insufficient.
The most effective among these was the “recommend the channel” option, which was successful at a rate of 42 percent. “I am not interested” option stands out as the least effective method with a rate of 11 percent. Likewise, it was stated that the dislike button only blocked 12% of unwanted content. The “Remove from my watch history” option, on the other hand, is 29% successful.
The researchers state that their study was done in order to better explain YouTube’s in-app controls and provide better recommendations. This research by Mozilla also reveals that major platforms need to make their algorithms more transparent.
While the European Union is taking various steps on the algorithms of the platforms, it is preparing to make similar moves from the USA. So what do you think about YouTube and the dislike button? You can share your views with us in the comments section.