Homogenization of ideas and culture?

Before the internet, knowledge and information were fragmented. Different cultures accumulated different expertise and mastery.

Globalization initially sped up the exchange of information, amplifying creativity by allowing the exchange of more ideas. Nevertheless, as relevant trends became more prevalent, they also became more dominant, normalizing the creative output into fewer trends.

Today, AI is kick-starting another cycle of an initial widening and future narrowing of ideas. AI algorithms are currently connecting independent content creators and new audiences with incredible efficiency, replacing the legacy media that previously held a monopoly over news and culture.

The introduction of new media sources first widens the pool of opinions and information, enriching the media landscape. Nevertheless, as algorithms connect viewers and content based on engagement, audiences will be exposed to a narrower range of self-confirming perspectives.

The homogenization of ideas threatens to erode the diversity of cultural opinions and stifle the emergence and recognition of new, non-conforming ideas ahead of their time.

How then can we ensure that unconventional ideas and thinkers find their rightful space? And if culture gets homogenized, will we be leveling up and all becoming smarter, or dumbing down?