Dilute
An online browser extension that detects trending words & key terms and helps the user challenge their opinions.Research, Strategy, Prototyping
Which headline do you think would garner the most reactions?
I'm sure you answered this correctly.
In our current socio-political climate, it's easy to be
swayed by the media, and instead of forming our own opinions, we often trust the ones presented to us.
METHODS I USED: Research, User Interface (UI), Interaction Design, Prototyping
SO, WHAT IS MISINFORMATION AND WHY DO WE NEED TO ADDRESS IT?
When popular sources use specific keywords or hashtags, it becomes easy to manipulate information online and influence the readers. Much of digital polarization occurs when those in power spread misleading, biased or altered content, leading to misinformation.
Even with verified sources, promoting false information is still common. This deepens societal divides, pitting people against each other as the digital world lacks the authenticity and physicality of real-life interactions.
On our current social media platforms, everyone has a voice. While this empowers marginalized groups, it also amplifies hate, often disguising hate speech as mere opinion — it’s not.
WE SHOULD BE ABLE TO CHALLENGE OUR OPINIONS WITHOUT FEELING OFFENDED
The project's focus is on coexisting in a society with diverse beliefs, striving to prevent group polarization from influencing personal opinions. It emphasizes the importance of respecting one another while understanding and acknowledging that we hold different views. Through my research, I realized the need to challenge opinions without taking offense and to be mindful of how preconceived notions can lead to stereotyping and confirmation bias.
WHAT’S THE BEST MEDIUM TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE?
Addressing issues of civility online requires more than just an app, as it often leaves the choice to users to either engage respectfully or spread negativity. The proposed solution is an AI filter that would work as a keyboard extension, helping users challenge and rethink their opinions.
The concept is inspired by Grammarly, an AI-based digital writing tool that provides real-time feedback on tone. This filter aims to offer a similar support system for online interactions, encouraging more thoughtful and respectful communication.
Dilute is an online browser extension that detects trending words and key terms, helping users challenge their own opinions to bring about self-directed behavioral changes.
It encourages individuals to reflect on their choices and be mindful of the power of their words, revealing how external factors can influence beliefs and impact interactions with others.
How Dilute Helps Users:
– Deep Reflection: By posing thought-provoking questions, Dilute encourages users to delve into the reasons behind their beliefs, promoting self-awareness and reducing polarization.
– Interactive Conversations: Users receive cues and definitions that enrich their understanding, making interactions more dynamic and prompting them to rethink extreme views.
– Empowering Moderation: The tool guides users to practice moderation, giving them control over their opinions and helping tone down overly rigid beliefs.
– Breaking Filter Bubbles: Dilute encourages users to break free from algorithm-driven bubbles by questioning their ideas and moving beyond simplified categorizations.
– Accountability with Empathy: Instead of overwhelming users with facts, Dilute fosters change through empathy, cooperation, and trust, encouraging thoughtful shifts in online behavior.
Research and Interface prototyped by Vidushi Arya