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Harris Uses Flower Metaphor to Explain Social Media Algorithms
Confirmed
In Short: Former Vice President Kamala Harris used a flower analogy to explain how social media algorithms work during an appearance on 'Off Air with Big Boy' podcast.
Harris said, 'Think about that. But the algorithm suggesting I have no more interest because I’m looking at this yellow flower,' as she held up yellow and pink flowers to illustrate her point.
The Democratic Party's 2024 presidential nominee argued that social media algorithms can influence what users see online, repeatedly feeding them similar content.
Harris made the remarks during an appearance on 'Off Air with Big Boy' after host Big Boy asked about AI, TikTok, Instagram, and the role personalized algorithms could play in shaping how Americans consume information, including ahead of the midterm elections.
Harris' explanation drew a mocking response from Fox News hosts, including Sean Hannity, who reacted to the soundbite.
Harris has faced criticism in the past over her explanations of artificial intelligence, including remarks she made while serving as vice president in 2023.
Harris also called on President Donald Trump earlier this month to pursue an international agreement, including with China, aimed at limiting dangerous uses of AI and establishing global testing standards.
In Michigan, Harris will campaign with Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed, the Democratic candidate, for a midterms circuit tour to help Democrats win competitive seats in Congress.
The event marks the pair’s first public appearance together since Harris endorsed El-Sayed after his primary victory.
Harris is also planning to attend a canvass launch with Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford for his gubernatorial bid next month in Las Vegas.
While some Democrats are eager to embrace Harris, others want her to steer clear, with Iowa’s two most prominent Democratic candidates saying they do not want Harris to campaign for them.
What this adds
Harris' latest comments come after she called on President Donald Trump earlier this month to pursue an international agreement, including with China, aimed at limiting dangerous uses of AI and establishing global testing standards.
Harris' explanation of social media algorithms drew a mocking response from Fox News hosts, including Sean Hannity, who reacted to the soundbite.
Harris has faced criticism in the past over her explanations of artificial intelligence, including remarks she made while serving as vice president in 2023.
Background
The European Commission is set to unveil plans to ban social media for children under 13 and limit access for those aged 13 to 15, with parental consent required for the latter group.
European Union leaders are set to outline new proposals for a single minimum age across the bloc for social media use, with plans to ban children under 13 from using platforms without parental supervision.
What's confirmed
- “Vice President Harris looks forward to returning to Michigan to help turn out the vote in this critical state,” Eduardo Negrón, Harris’ spokesperson, said in a statement.
- Former Vice President Kamala Harris will campaign with Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan next week as part of a midterms circuit tour to help Democrats win competitive seats in Congress.
What's still developing
- "There is a part of this that is about understanding that, you know, if you keep seeing the same thing over and over again, know that you are being targeted," Harris said.
- "AI is kind of a fancy thing," Harris said at the time.
- Sean Hannity and Jimmy Failla react to Kamala Harris's attempt to describe how social media algorithms work during an appearance on BigBoyTV.
- Harris, who previously played a leading role in the Biden administration's work on artificial intelligence, continued with a colorful example.
- Harris, the Democratic Party’s 2024 presidential nominee told the “Big Boy’s Neighborhood” podcast this week it’s time to “psyche it out a bit,” contending that algorithms are basically trying to diminish social media user’s curiosity.
- “Think about that.” Then Harris took a deep dive into the subject, launching into a flower metaphor to make her point.
- Vice President JD Vance recently called him “evil,” while Rogers and other Republicans have accused El-Sayed of being an “extremist” backed by terrorist groups.
- “Abdul is thrilled to welcome Vice President Harris to Michigan for a conversation about improving Black maternal health and bringing down health care costs,” Roxie Richner, a spokesperson for El-Sayed, told The Washington Sun.
- Harris, who endorsed the progressive Democrat following his tight primary win last month, will join El-Sayed for a campaign roundtable about the disparities Black mothers face during and after pregnancy.
- “He’s grateful Vice President Harris will join him in spreading that message.” Gavin J.
- “As anyone who is interested in 2028 should do, Kamala Harris will be coming through. We are a pivotal state in the presidential election,” Ford said in an interview in Las Vegas on Tuesday.
- And a swing-district Democrat in Wisconsin and a long-shot Senate hopeful in Kansas both told POLITICO they would prefer Harris keep her distance.