Racism by Design: How Algorithms Shaped the 2024 Election and Endangered Democracy

Photo Credit: Getty Images By James S. Bridgeforth, Ph.D. In the grand architecture of America, where freedom and democracy are enshrined as sacred principles, a dark shadow has emerged—an algorithmic code of oppression, insidiously weaving its way into the fabric of our digital society.& As the dust settles on the 2024 election, the evidence is clear: algorithms—those silent, soulless engineers of our online experiences—have been weaponized to perpetuate racism, amplify division and manipulate truth. Donald Trump’s victory this year is not just a testament to his base’s loyalty; it is a chilling reminder of how technology, designed to connect us, has been co-opted to tear us apart.& Social media algorithms, programmed ostensibly to keep us engaged, have instead become a tool for promoting white supremacy, marketing hate and fueling systemic racism. They thrive on outrage, spreading lies faster than truth, and in doing so, they have become the architects of our division. The power of these algorithms lies in their ability to curate reality itself.& During this election cycle, disinformation targeting Black and brown communities reached new heights. “Alternative facts” about voter fraud, crime and economic policies flooded our feeds, tailor-made to exploit fears and reinforce prejudices.& These lies were...