# How Engagement Systems Use Data to Provoke Political Outrage

DevFeed: [How Engagement Systems Use Data to Provoke Political Outrage](<https://devfeed.tech/articles/notice-the-outrage-machines-36909.md>)

Original publisher: [Read original article](<https://shostack.org/blog/notice-the-outrage-machines/>)

Author: Adam

Published: 2020-10-31T00:00:00Z

Content type: opinion

Language: en

Sources: [Shostack & Friends Blog](<https://devfeed.tech/sources/shostack-friends-blog.md>)

Topics: [data](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/data.md>), [systems](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/systems.md>)

Tags: [engagement](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/engagement.md>), [manipulation](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/manipulation.md>), [measuring](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/measuring.md>), [optimizing](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/optimizing.md>), [social-media](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/social-media.md>)

## AI overview

The article argues that news and social media websites use data to measure and optimize engagement, showing users content tailored to provoke them. It recommends recognizing these tactics and reflecting on emotional reactions to reduce their influence.

## Source excerpt

With three days to the US election, the outrage machines are running on all cylinders. It'll be easier to stay happy if you remember to notice them.