X Community Notes: Discover Popular Posts

X to Experiment with Community Notes for Post Discovery

Elon Musk’s X platform is initiating trials of a novel approach to leverage its Community Notes system. This crowdsourced fact-checking mechanism will be used to spotlight popular posts originating from users holding diverse viewpoints.

Pilot Program Details

The official Community Notes X account announced the commencement of a pilot test on Thursday. Selected contributors will now have the capability to evaluate posts by responding to questions regarding their approval or disapproval of the content.

Bridging Algorithm Explained

This new system shares similarities with the existing Community Notes fact-checking process. Rather than relying on simple upvote/downvote mechanics – which are susceptible to manipulation by aligned groups – Community Notes employs a “bridging algorithm.”

This algorithm aims to establish common ground among individuals who don't typically share similar perspectives.

How Consensus is Reached

When users with differing opinions both concur on the accuracy of a fact-check, the note is published and becomes publicly visible. Despite criticisms regarding its speed and ability to manage the extensive misinformation on the platform, this methodology has been adopted by Meta as an alternative to traditional fact-checking.

Expanding Community Notes Functionality

X now intends to explore whether Community Notes can also assist in identifying highly engaging posts.

A select group of Community Notes contributors will begin encountering a new prompt within the platform when a post is receiving significant attention through Likes. They will then be able to rate the post and offer feedback.

Identifying Broadly Appealing Content

This feedback will inform the algorithm regarding whether the post is positively received across a spectrum of perspectives. According to X, the experiment aims to highlight “what resonates broadly.”

The Goal: Bridging Divides

“People often perceive the world as divided, yet Community Notes demonstrates the potential for agreement, even on controversial subjects,” X stated in a post. “This experimental feature seeks to uncover ideas, insights, and opinions that connect different viewpoints.”

The company emphasized a commitment to public development, allowing the community to shape the feature through iterative feedback, mirroring the approach taken with the original Community Notes system.